Developments around the city

Will this old cinema in Gloucester Place be demolished?

AGM report by Brighton Society representative, 2011/12

By Sandy Crowhurst

The Brighton Society committee, which meets on a monthly basis and on which I represent the NLCA, discusses developments and proposals around the city and members are informed by quarterly newsletters.

Major developments

As in previous years, quite a few major developments such as the Marina, Black Rock, Lewes Road Barracks and the Brighton Centre are still on hold.

Royal Alex

Planning permission for conversion of the main hospital building of the Royal Alex site to provide 20 flats, demolition of all other buildings, replaced by a new development of 101 flats, including 15 ‘affordable’ flats’, has now been granted.   Work on the new Amex office block behind the present one on Edward Street is progressing well, and it is pleasing to hear that the Connaught Centre will be become a much needed primary school for September’s intake. The future of Saltdean Lido, however, is uncertain.

Royal Sussex Hospital

A planning application for further development of the Royal Sussex Hospital to meet national standards is expected in the Spring. A Hospital Liaison Group was formed last year and this allowed interested parties, including Brighton Society members, to attend regular meetings to discuss issues and review the proposal.

The Keep

Work on the new History Centre, called The Keep, at Woollards Field near Falmer, will start later this year. It will provide a home for all the archives and historical resources of East Sussex and Brighton & Hove and the special collections of the University of Sussex, including the internationally renowned Mass Observation Archive. The building will also include the library and headquarters of the Sussex Family History Group.

Vacant ice rink, Open Market, and Astoria

A planning application is soon expected for the vacant ice rink in Queen’s Square and planning has now been granted for the Open Market development. A plan to demolish the Astoria and replace with a Conran designed six storey block of offices and two storeys at the rear, with a café and community space on the ground floor, is being considered by the Council.

A co-ordinating role

The Brighton Society’s committee includes representatives from a number of local amenity societies, so it plays a valuable co-ordinating role.  If you wish to join, log onto their website http://www.brighton-society.org.uk/ for more information.

[Previously published in the North Laine Runner, No 209, March/April 2011]