Redeveloping Amex site 'would boost St James's Street'

A leading councillor says redevelopment of the old Amex building in Edward Street, Brighton, would improve the fortunes of shops and businesses in nearby St James’s Street.

Speaking about the city council’s publication of a draft planning brief covering the site, chair of the Economic Development and Culture Committee Geoffrey Bowden said: 

“There is nothing in the draft planning brief for the Amex site in Edward Street which represents a threat to St James’s Street or its traders – in fact, quite the reverse.”

The council says a redevelopment of the former Amex building would bring over 1000 office jobs to the location. There could also be over 60 new homes.

Councillor Bowden continued:  “All these new residents and workers could only boost St James’s Street, which would become their natural shopping centre.

“Some shops or commercial premises may be acceptable as part of the future redevelopment of the Amex site. However, the brief makes it clear this would be very limited and is designed to make sure public spaces have some activity, to encourage their use.

“In addition, the brief calls for better links between Edward Street and St James’s Street, including making it easier to cross Edward Street to get to the shops and other businesses in St James’s Street and the wider area.

 “Rest assured nobody at the council has any interest in diminishing the vitality and commercial viability of St James’s Street.”