Developments bringing new jobs, opportunities, and homes to help the city’s economy recover post pandemic
The Circus Street development’s recognition in winning Sussex Heritage Trust and Architects’ Journal national Building of the Year 2022 awards recently has highlighted the positive impacts that the range of new development schemes currently underway across Brighton & Hove are having on the city.
Residents are often anxious about the immediate impact of major new construction projects, such as noise and disruption. The consequences of developments are always a priority for ward councillors and for our Planning Committee when making decisions.
The benefits of regeneration
In the longer-term though, the benefits of projects regenerating run-down parts of the city are the new homes created, new opportunities for business and employers, improving public spaces, increasing access to good sports facilities, and restoring our historic assets.
It is also often the case that major regeneration projects enable us to secure local jobs and apprenticeships in the construction process.
In addition to Circus Street’s transformation of the former municipal fruit and veg market, the redevelopment of Preston Barracks, the Kingsway to the Sea project in West Hove, and the Black Rock rejuvenation of the eastern seafront are amongst projects breathing new life into areas across the city.
Building affordable homes
The Homes for Brighton & Hove partnership aims to build affordable homes for the city and currently has 346 progressing on site. In addition to housing projects due for completion at the Belgrave Centre and Coldean Lane next year, the Moulsecoomb Hub project will deliver 211 affordable homes, as well as a new community hub and sports facilities.
The Preston Barracks and University of Brighton development includes 369 new homes (of which 30 per cent will meet the government’s definition of affordability) and will also provide 1,300 new student bedrooms. Circus Street brings a further 450 new student bedrooms and 211 new homes (20 per cent meeting affordability standards).
Creating employment opportunities
Both developments also feature important new commercial space, which is the focus of the improvements and extension to New England House too.
Already one of the major hubs for Brighton’s thriving Creative, Digital and IT businesses, with approximately 1,000 people employed by the over 100 companies using the building, government and council funding will assist the development of further improved facilities.
Together, these projects aim to put Brighton & Hove firmly on the map as a regional leader for the tech sector, nurturing small creative, digital and IT businesses and bringing together people with creative and digital skills.
Protecting our heritage and public spaces
Current projects focussed on conserving the city’s superb historic buildings include the Royal Pavilion Estate and Madeira Terrace restoration schemes. The Valley Gardens improvement scheme has been designed to enhance an important public space and offer more sustainable travel options.
"A brilliant place to live and work"
Council Leader Phélim Mac Cafferty said: “These major development schemes are evidence of our commitment to deliver a city that works for all. We continue to push for every job, apprenticeship, and opportunity.
“Today we have many cranes on the skyline across the city, declaring our determination to recover well from the scarring of the economy that has resulted from Brexit and the pandemic. As we push for a resilient local economy that can withstand the additional costs of labour and materials caused by inflation and the war in Ukraine, we will continue to welcome well-built development which brings new jobs, new opportunities, and new homes.
“The regeneration in the city is a powerful reminder of the partnerships we have built over a long period with a wide range of organisations. All of these helps keep Brighton & Hove’s edge as a brilliant place to live and work.”
Circus Street picture credit: DCoolImages.com
