I agree, Brighton is a great city but is a little scruffy round the edges, some of the main streets like Kings road, West street, North street, Western road, London road, Queens road and Grand parade are all a bit tatty and dirty in places, there is just so much chewing gum stuck to the pavements, uneven paving slabs, rubbish bags from restaurants left outside and seagulls feasting on the contents, etc etc

I know we live in a busy densely built up city with 8 million tourists per year but I think the council could do better at keeping our streets clean, and improve the quality of our public spaces like you say Delores.

I'm not sure when the visuals for the Brighton centre will be made available but I'm absolutely desperate to see them as I'm sure we all are, they'll be released to the public sometime soon over the next few months I reckon, we'll have to just be patient.

The biggest brownfield site in our conurbation looks set to become one of the biggest building projects in the south east, could this be Brighton's future version of Canary wharf?

From the Argus -

Harbour is site of huge homes plan
By Lawrence Marzouk

An ageing port is to be transformed into one of the South East's biggest building projects, creating the equivalent of a new town on the Sussex coast.

The huge brownfield development will bring up to 6,000 homes along with offices, shops and a marina to Shoreham Harbour, The Argus can reveal.

Land stretching from Shoreham to Hove will become home to up to 14,000 new inhabitants - the same number of people who live in Southwick or Uckfield - under plans drawn up by the South East England Development Agency (Seeda) and the Shoreham Port Authority.

The revelation comes as Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced an increase in house building targets.

But politicians last night warned that the proposal will fail unless millions of pounds are poured into infrastructure.

The Shoreham Maritime project was first mooted nine years ago and was expected to deliver 6,400 jobs, 1,200 homes and 120,000 square metres of new commercial floorspace to the area.

The working part of the port was to be concentrated at Southwick, with a 'media village' at the Hove end and a mile of new homes, shops and restaurants in a waterfront development at Shoreham.

The entire regeneration was expected to cost £300 million and take up to 30 years to complete.

But the project ran into trouble in 2003 when Brighton and Hove City Council found the costs of road improvements were almost £200 million.

Adur District Council rejected the Shoreham end of the development last year, although the port has appealed against the decision.

These plans have now been shelved for an entirely new project.

Seeda and the port authority last night refused to reveal what was included in the plans and where the homes were to be built but confirmed that 4,000 to 6,000 high-quality, sustainable homes were planned for the site in the next 15 years.

The development agency is leading the project and has begun a feasibility study into the costs and economic viability of the plan.

The report, which will be published in September, will tackle the thorny issue of public sector investment.

Up to £30 million will be needed in the next three to five years alone and Seeda will fund a significant proportion of this.

Rod Johnstone, the chief executive of the port authority, said the new scheme would be more "comprehensive" than the previous.

He said: "This is at a very embryonic stage and we are taking it forward as fast as we can.

"This project reflects a step change in the thinking about the port and is a totally different approach.

"It is so embryonic that nobody can say what it is going to include but there is an element of all of these things - businesses, shops, marina.

"We need to work in partnership with the local authority to see how we can develop it together with them, the highways authority, the Government Office for the South East and others."

Adur District Council leader Neil Parkin said he backed a proposal for thousands of new homes but was concerned about infrastructure.

He said: "We have been trying to get going for ten years and other development is going on at the port.

"Without the infrastructure improvements to the whole area the scheme is a nonsense.

"I will want to see funding for schools, water, sewage and road infrastructure and they are still talking about closing Worthing Hospital's A&E."

Brighton councillor Garry Peltzer Dunn, the chairman of the city's major projects committee, said any scheme would have to address improvements to the road network.

Tony Mernagh, the chief executive of Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership, said: "It is a hugely important site because we are running out of brownfield land where there is the potential to build this number of houses.

"Shoreham port has had a long history of people trying to redevelop it and it is an area that is in desperate need of it."

Thats good news but holy mother sorting out access is going to be tough. Something like that monorail (or whatever) coastal link that someone mooted seems like a good idea. Marina-Brighton centre-West Pier-Shoreham Harbour. I don't think car use should be encouraged in this town but surely some link to the bypass is needed. I think I heard something about an expensive tunnel not long ago.

Yes a tunnel or some form of road bridge would be needed, and whilst it will be a tough job sorting the infrastructure out in this area, I certainly don't think it's impossible.

Here's a aerial view of the site -

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y132/mim56read/shorehar-l.jpg

I'm struggling to get my head round the idea of 14,000 new inhabitants moving into that small area of land. It will be interesting to see the plans for this but I'm concerned that if the infratructure to deal with that volume of people isn't also properly considered this could have severe consequences for the surrounding area.

Can't see Paul McCartney & Norman Cooke being happy at the idea of their quiet little no through road one day becoming as congested as the M25 :lol:

Can't see Paul McCartney & Norman Cooke being happy at the idea of their quiet little no through road one day becoming as congested as the M25 :lol:

:lol: It is a silly place to have a 'millionaire's row' anyway isn't it, out of all the places in the city they choose to make their home here, right next to industrial factories, warehouses, a busy port and a gas power station, it wouldn't happen in Sim City I tell you!

I've never been able to understand it. It must be really noisy ther during the day with all the trucks going past and the clanking of the cranes etc.

Bit of news regarding Falmer, the decision whether to grant planning permission is to be made on or before next Wednesday, fingers crossed.

Falmer to be first British eco-stadium
By Simon Barrett

Albion bosses are hoping their new stadium will be the greenest football ground in the land.

Plans for Brighton and Hove Albion's proposed stadium, which they hope to build on a site in Falmer, will undergo an assessment to discover the building's environmental sustainability.

It will be carried out by an assessor from BREeam, the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method.

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BREeam is a method of measuring the environmental quality of a building.

The plans will be given one of a variety of gradings which range from excellent to pass.

Martin Perry, the chief executive of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, said: "We'd like it to be the countries greenest stadium but we have to take into account the economics because to achieve the maximum level of sustainability can be very expensive and we have to balance capital cost against the benefits.

"It will achieve extremely high standards compared with other stadiums."

Mr Perry said they will ensure they receive a "very good" rating.

He said they had found the Falmer site to be more environmentally friendly than Sheepcote, where some campaigners argue the new stadium should be built.

And he said the sheltered location will mean lower energy use to heat the building and the proximity to Falmer railway station will result in fewer cars being used for visits by fans to matches.

Current plans feature rain water collection to irrigate the pitch and the use of bio-fuels to run the emergency generator.

It is the first stadium in the country to undergo a BREeam assessment. They are more commonly carried out on homes and public buildings including schools.

Mr Perry said it was unclear how long it might take.

The bespoke assessment has been requested and funded by the South East England Development Agency (Seeda) and will cost £161,000.

It is part of £5 million funding from the agency.

Almost £4 million will pay for improvements to the A270 including a flyover and major junction improvement.

The flyover, at the junction of the A270 and the A27, will separate Brighton-bound traffic using Falmer School and Stanmer Park access roads.

Other funds from Seeda include almost £950,000 for access road widening and a University of Sussex link road along with £288,000 for pedestrian and cycle access from Falmer School to the stadium.

It will also pay out £169,000 for improved access to Woollard's Field and Falmer School site.

The Government is expected to announce whether planning permission will be given to the Albion to build at Falmer next Wednesday.

Plans for a monorail are back on track, well done conservatives, a positive move for once! :cheers:

Monorail to link marina to harbour
By Lawrence Marzouk

A monorail train will link Brighton Marina to Shoreham Harbour under new multimillion-pound plans.

Futuristic trains could be gliding from the Marina to the Palace Pier and then on to the Brighton Centre by 2009.

A second phase is being drawn up which will link central Brighton to Frank Gehry's King Alfred redevelopment in Hove and Shoreham Harbour.

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The team behind an earlier bid to bring the transport system to Britain for the first time has held a series of meetings with Brighton and Hove City Council and the South East England Development Agency (Seeda), it has emerged.

Newly elected Conservative councillors and James Brathwaite, chairman of Seeda, are keen to see the multimillion-pound scheme developed further.

Seeda believes a monorail could unlock the huge development potential at the ageing Shoreham port, which has been earmarked for up to 6,000 homes.

Previous attempts to regenerate what could be the South East's largest brownfield site have faltered because of concerns about the poor road network and lack of infrastructure.

The initial £10 million scheme, travelling from the Marina to the Palace Pier, was dropped in 2005 with both developers and council blaming each other.

Labour councillors had not been convinced by the proposal and had discarded the option in favour of a bus-based network.

But the Conservatives took control of the council in May, and leader Brian Oxley immediately revealed he supported the monorail concept and wanted to revisit the proposal.

Meetings have now been held with the city's transport and planning departments, according to businessman David Courtney, who fronted the previous scheme and is working as a consultant on the present bid.

And now Seeda has also thrown its weight behind it. Chairman Mr Brathwaite told The Argus: "You know for a long time there have been entrepreneurs who wanted to build a tramway along the front of Brighton which would, if we had our way, connect into Shoreham to allow that to develop but also to take cars off the road in Brighton.

"From the plans I have seen and the business people who come to talk to me about it, it looks very feasible. The funny thing is that they have got the financial backing to bring it forward.

"It will be up to the local people and council to decide whether it is something they go for.

"Seeda will be very pleased to help Brighton achieve something like that."

Businessman John Regan, of City Partnerships, and Mr Courtney are finalising the design for the new proposal to present to the city council in the coming weeks.

Mr Courtney said that major developments at the Marina, Black Rock, the Brighton Centre, King Alfred and embryonic plans for Shoreham made the monorail a better proposition today than ever before.

He said: "It is key for the future developments of this city because we have got to be able to move people around. This could also be a catalyst to many developments in the future.

"It is the greenest form of transport apart from getting on a bike and will travel at 30mph.

"And by not building it on the road we do not cause all the disruption with road works and it should take just one year to build."

Unlike many monorails across the globe, the scheme will not involve tracks raised into the sky and is likely to run next to the Volks Railway.

Mr Courtney said he was confident the scheme would attract enough use from conference goers, tourists, residents and commuters and would cover Brighton Marina to the Palace Pier in three minutes.

Funding has yet to be secured for the scheme, but the developers hope to secure private and public investment.

The first phase, from Brighton Marina to the Brighton Centre will cost around £20 million, based on £10 million a kilometre.

Councillor Oxley said: "As I understand it the matter is now being discussed with officers looking at the technical issues.".

Big news today, Falmer has once again been given the go ahead, this should now be the final hurdle in this long running saga, surely lewes district council won't waste even more public money on another appeal, besides there shouldn't be anything to legally appeal against this time round.
Brighton & Hove albion for the prem!

From Manchester.com
Seagulls get stadium go-ahead


Brighton and Hove Albion have been given planning permission to build a new 22,374-seater stadium.

Nine years after the Seagulls first launched their proposal for a new venue at Falmer, communities secretary Hazel Blears has approved the club's plans to develop a new home.

The club could still face a legal challenge from Lewes district council, which opposed the plans, but assuming no high court proceedings are imminent the £50 million project will now be able to get underway.

Brighton chief executive Martin Perry said today's announcement, which came in the form of a letter to the club's headquarters, was "fantastic news" but cautioned that the project was not able to begin quite yet.

"It's something many of us have worked tirelessly towards for the last eight years - but it isn't green for go just yet," he said.

Brighton thought they had been given the OK to begin building the new stadium in 2005 when then deputy prime minister John Prescott approved the plans, but an appeal by council officials ensured the plan remained dead in the water.

"We've already had one false dawn: as our supporters already know all too well we have been here before," Perry added.

"At the moment what we do not know is if our opponents are planning a further legal challenge, which could cause more delays. We will have to wait until early September to see whether the decision is challenged by our opponents. Let's hope that doesn't happen, as it will mean further delays."

Albion have been playing at the Withdean athletics stadium since 1999, having left the Goldstone Ground amid emotional scenes two years earlier.

During the interim period the Seagulls ground-shared with Gillingham at the Preistfield Stadium in Kent.

Manager Dean Wilkins welcomed the news and said the players had been in higher spirits than usual this morning after the decision filtered through.

"I'm delighted for the supporters," he told the Seagulls website.

"They've had to put up with an awful lot over the years and I think now this gives us a chance to plan for the future.

"It got to the stage where you wondered whether it was ever going to happen, but now it has it's terrific and there will be a huge buzz on the training ground this morning."

Brighton will begin the new season in League One having avoided relegation by six points last campaign.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/southerncounties/sport/clubs/brighton/picturehistory/falmer_cg_330.jpg

Go on holiday and come back to all this good news!!! Excellent!

Finally finally finally, well done Albion, well done Brighton and Hove and all the people who supported this project! Congrats too to the government who made a wise decision (and who in 2005 also made the right decision).

Even more good news today regarding the regeneration of our northern gateway routes, the best bit is that the area around London road has been identified as a potential 'new cultural and business centre' of the city with a proposed 'mini city of London' which includes tall buildings, to be located around the new england quarter.

Sounds promising, what do we all think?

From the Argus -

New-look gateways to the city
By Lawrence Marzouk


A radical overhaul of three downtrodden and deprived districts has been revealed.

A city business quarter, a cultural centre in St Peter's Church and a public square at the Vogue Gyratory are just three recommendations to inject life into Brighton's London Road, Lewes Road and Preston Road areas.

Two reports outline essential changes to the roads and paint an image of neglect and subtle decay in contrast to the "upbeat and modern image" of the area.

Brighton and Hove City Council plans to transform Lewes Road into an academic corridor including:

A public square at the Vogue Gyratory.


Grants for shopfronts and a ban on fast food outlets.


Moving Moulsecoomb station southwards to cater for the new Preston Barracks redevelopment, which will include hundreds of new homes.

A tree-lined Lewes Road and improvements to Saunders Park.

The report says transforming the traffic-choked gyratory, where Lewes Road, Upper Lewes Road, Bear Road and Hollingdean Road meet, is crucial.

Sainsbury's and the petrol station should be knocked down, the report suggests, and redeveloped.

The consultants advise: "Remodelling the Vogue Gyratory and with it redeveloping adjacent sites has the potential to transform the Lewes Road corridor, to eliminate an area of very poor urban quality and pedestrian environment and to provide a better link between the high street section of Lewes Road to the south and the broader, dual carriageway section to the north.

"Until substantial remodelling takes place, the Vogue will continue to blight the image, built and pedestrian environments and economic vitality of the Lewes Road corridor."

London Road could become the new cultural and business centre of the city, the report suggests. Proposals include:

A "mini City of London" in the New England Quarter with tall buildings.


New 20mph roads.


St Peter's Church transformed into art studios and a cultural centre.


A one-way, bus-only London Road.


The Open Market modelled on Borough Market, Southwark, London.


Restoration and improvements to shop facades.


Improvements to the run-down car park to the west of London Road and the possible creation of another to the east.


A green boulevard leading from The Level to the seafront, cutting the fourlane carriageway to the west down to a bus lane and moving all other traffic to the east.

Tony Mernagh, the head of Brighton and Hove Business Forum, said a new business quarter had the potential to transform London Road.

He said: "There is nothing better than putting lots of people into an area which will then respond to their needs.We really need to get as much as possible out of that space."

The report reads: "St Peter's Church has the potential to become the lynch pin for the cultural quarter. As such, any future uses of it should look to strengthen and exemplify the concept and link between the cultural quarter and the commercial quarter.

The report also calls for the council to help bring the long-derelict Astoria building back into use.

Preston Road is criticised by the consultants for its un-let, run-down and inappropriate commercial buildings.

Recommendations include:

Intensifying development between South Road and Dyke Road Drive, bringing buildings closer to the road.


Transforming the viaduct into a landmark with imaginative lighting at night.


Using space under the viaduct "for creative business looking for bespoke accommodation in a high quality, unusual environment".

Councillors will consider the regeneration strategies - by planners Urban Initiatives and transport consultants Peter Brett Associates - at a policy and resources committee meeting tomorrow.

never been to brighton but it looks really appealing to me, i hope for you guys that this great english city gets all these projects proposed!

never been to brighton but it looks really appealing to me, i hope for you guys that this great english city gets all these projects proposed!

Cheers matey, there is certainly a lot planned here for the future, and finally we are starting to see some of these big scheme's beginning construction, these are exciting times for our city by the sea. :)

St Peter's was a very early Gothic revival design by Sir Charles Barry and is a glorious church, externally and internally. I hope none of the proposed adaptive reuses involve subdividing the interior. Perhaps it would make a good location for concerts or other events?

It's so typical! I lamented the fact that nothing changed around Brighton for years, and as soon as I move back to Sydney it all starts off.

Lewes Road really needs a makeover. Any improvement there would be welcome, particularly the gyratory. London Road should be made one way between the Church and Preston Circus too. Far too much possibility of getting hit by a car there (seen it too many times).

Great news for the Albion. Another big project to look forward to.

Does anyone know when work is due to start on the i360? I thought I read somewhere that is was kicking off this week but I headed down there a couple of days ago armed with a camera only to find the place deserted.

Great news for the Albion. Another big project to look forward to.

Does anyone know when work is due to start on the i360? I thought I read somewhere that is was kicking off this week but I headed down there a couple of days ago armed with a camera only to find the place deserted.

Yeah it is supposed to be starting any day now, I'm sure it will be underway very soon.

Did they say construction would only take a year?

On the West Pier site they state that the plans were for construction work to commence Spring 2007 with a view to completion in the second half of 2008.

I think that was written before the Noble objection delayed the project so I guess they are now looking at an early spring 2009 finish in time for the 2009 summer season.

http://www.westpier.co.uk/pdfs/newsletter_11_06.pdf

Excellent news! Lewes council have decided not to appeal :banana:
I very much doubt Falmer parish council will now decide to appeal on their own as they just don't have the money to do so.


Lewes decides not to appeal Falmer decision
By Katya Mira


One of the last barriers to a new stadium for Brighton and Hove Albion has been removed.

Lewes District Council announced today it is not going to appeal the Government's decision to allow the new stadium to be built at Falmer.

The council released a statement today saying it was frustrated and alarmed at the "blatantly party-political" decision to award planning consent but for practical reasons had decided not to appeal.

Peter Gardiner, lead councillor for planning, said: "We are deeply worried that this permission will set a precedent for development in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"By approving the stadium in an area of the highest environmental protection, the minister has diminished what AONBs mean - and this in the interests of encouraging regeneration', when it is quite clear that another option for the stadium, Sheepcote Valley, would have done a lot more for Brighton.

"This is a kick in the teeth for everyone who has paid good money to adhere to the planning process.

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"It is too early to assess the full implications, but if a stadium complex that has no place in an AONB can be given permission on the grounds that it encourages local regeneration, this could open the floodgates to other inappropriate applications and mark the end of protection for nature sites as we know it."

Last week new Communities Secretary Hazel Blears decided to end a decade of uncertainty by approving plans for the 22,500-seat arena. Opponents have until September 4 to try to block the development .

Two years ago the celebrations which greeted John Prescott's decision to approve the stadium were put on hold after Liberal Democrat-controlled Lewes council launched a High Court appeal.

Falmer Parish Council has promised to announce if it will appeal again within the next fortnight.

Coun Gardiner added: "The planning grounds for an appeal are promising as this decision is also flawed but even if we were to win, the decision would still end up with a Government minister.

"The last two approvals have been blatantly party-political in motivation so we'd be back to square one.

"We therefore feel that for practical reasons it makes no sense to appeal against it.

"Throughout this procedure, we have never been anti-football, as some have tried to paint us.

"We have done what we believe is right to defend both the people of our district and planning policies designed to protect the countryside.

"If the stadium is now to go ahead, we hope to move forward in co-operation with the football club, and we would be particularly keen to hear how they plan to help the people of Falmer whose lives will be seriously affected by this development."

The Argus revealed last week that Lewes Council has already spent £140,000 on lawyers to fight the plans.

Albion now hope to be kicking off the 2010/11 season in their new £50 million home.

Martin Perry, CEO of Brighton and Hovbe Albion, said: "I openly welcome the decision not to challenge the decision by Hazel Blears. It is time to draw a line under the differences we have had in the past.

"We recognise they obviously had the right to challenge the decision although we did not agree with their grounds.

"But what we would like to do now is to meet up with Lewes District Council as soon as possible and discuss the ways in which we can move forward in particular how we can make the development work both for the football club and for Lewes and to make sure that the impact with the village of Falmer is kept to an absolute minimum.

"We now look to Falmer Parish Council to follow suit and we will again be very happy to meet with them to talk about measures that can be taken so that the peace and tranquility of their village is protected."

Paul Samra, chairman of Falmer For All Campaign, said: "I am grateful to Lewes District Council for coming out so quickly and making that decision. It gives us enormous hope that the plans can actually become a reality and that we can start building work soon.

"Now it falls to Falmer Parish Council to follow suite. I appreciate the issues and problems they have but it is time to wake up and smell the coffee - this has been going on for eight years and enough is enough.

"Now their main ally has accepted it is time to move on and I would urge Melanie Cutress and other parish councillors to get round the table to talk to us.

"I hope we can move forward."

:banana: Supadupa!^^ :banana:

Lol brighton boy, Nice name :D

Any news on the I360 ? Im moving to hove in 2 weeks, So i should be able to get down there a couple of times a week at least and take a few shots, Il be living close by, Has Demolition/Construction began yet ?

welcome to the thread brighton boi! As far as i know there is still no activity on the i360 tower although i haven't been down that way for a few weeks so i'm not 100 percent sure. Construction was due to start last week.

There definitely wasn't any activity down at the pier as of last Friday.

Talking of delayed starts, there still doesn't seem to be any work on the Marina development. I noticed that this week the Brighton Yacht club have put in a planning application (BH2007/02335) to extend their use of the yacht club. The club sits in the heart of the new development so seems a bit strange that they are wanting to extend their stay. I may just be getting a bit paranoid as I guess the enabling work could take place without the need for them to move out of their current premises immediately.

Yeah well that was a week ago, Somebody should check if there is anything going on at the i360 site if there nearby, I would, But am moving house right now so not much time. The good thing is, Construction will be fairly fast completion is supposed to be in 2009, I would like to see how they erect the thing tho, It will be very interesting indeed.

I'll be able to check properly on Monday when I get back from the north.

Oh and may I take this opportunity to welcome you to Hove BrightonBoi, I've lived in central Hove for a while now and love it, I'm sure you will too. :)

Thankyou, Maybe i should change my name to ' Hoveboi ' eh ? :D

Have a good pride for anyone who's going (120,000 people), I'm going to be missing it this year :(
Looks like the weather will be perfect for the event as well.

Welcome BrightonBoi!
It was crazy as usual Brighton Boy! Didn't last long in Preston Park before we gave up in the heat and went to a pub for a pint - we couldnt find most of our friends anyway and mobile phones networks were a little busy to say the least!
I checked out the West Pier yesterday and definately still no action. I also went to the Marina last Tuesday/Wednesday and went along the west breakwater - there's definately still no action on the Marina Tower site either.

Thankyou, Maybe i should change my name to ' Hoveboi ' eh ? :D

Haha, yeah - you're avatar says "guess" - innocent poster says "er....Brighton?" to which you say
"Hove actually". (Ba dom dom ksshhhh!) :cheers:

From today's Argus:

Actors 'paid to back King Alfred'

By Lawrence Marzouk

Actors were given £100 each to form a "rent-a-mob" at council meetings where they backed the controversial King Alfred development, it has been claimed.

A handful of people, some trainee actors, are said to have been paid to gather outside Hove Town Hall and pack the public gallery at the two planning committees which decided the fate of one of the city's most important projects.

It remained unclear last night who was behind the mob but the tactic was described as "unfair and undemocratic".

The £290 million development will be Frank Gehry's first buildings in England and will include 750 homes, a new leisure centre and host of other benefits.

Developer Karis said it had assembled a group of willing supporters to speak for the silent majority in the city which backed the scheme and was unaware of any actors or fake supporters.

A spokeswoman said they had not employed anybody to support the scheme, directly or through an agency.

She said: "Every day I sent emails to people on our database that I had been gathering over the last four years.

"We reminded everyone to make sure they came along to the meeting."

Genuine spectators were turned away because of a lack of space at the first meeting on March 23 at which planning permission was granted on the casting vote of the chairman.

At a second meeting in July, the project's final hurdle, members of conservation groups were forced to listen to the debate in an overspill room.

Janette Eddisford, the principal of acting school The Academy Of Creative Training, in Rock Place, Brighton, said she had expelled a student after uncovering the recruitment of pupils in an email.

She said the pupil had been employed through an agency and that the budding thespian was asked to recruit other actors and friends to play the part of King Alfred supporters.

The agency had even handed out acting sheets before the first meeting suggesting the job was part of a film, she said.

The fake demonstrators were then paid £60 in cash for the first planning meeting in March, it is alleged, and £15 an hour for the second committee last month.

Ms Eddisford said up to eight students at The Academy Of Creative Training, Brighton, were involved without staff members' knowledge.

She said staff were scrupulous about what jobs students were allowed to do and she was angry that some had gone behind her back.

She said: "Students from the school have gone on to do some really good things and our reputation is fragile.

"If students do any acting work, we are made aware of it to protect them and help them build up their show reel.

"I feel very sorry for the student involved who I feel has been exploited.

"She accepted clearly without stopping to consider the implications. The students were told it was an acting job and they were given sheets in preparation.

"They thought they were being filmed as protesters taking part in a demonstration.

"They had no idea it was a genuine public protest until they got there."

Ms Eddisford said she was annoyed with those who decided to take part in the second demonstration after the true nature of the job had emerged.

Councillor Averil Older, a longstanding opponent of the scheme, alleged during the meeting in March that some of the supporters were a "rent-a-mob".

Yesterday she said: "It was my opinion that they had been asked to come along to fill up the public gallery and make a lot of noise.

"They were all 18 and 19 years old and I thought they may have been architecture students.

"I think it was most unfair and undemocratic."

Haha, yeah - you're avatar says "guess" - innocent poster says "er....Brighton?" to which you say
"Hove actually". (Ba dom dom ksshhhh!) :cheers:

Haha, Yeah, Damn still no action at I360, Any ideas what's holding it up ? And as for the marina, I thought they were building some kind of bridge across then starting ?

Haha, Yeah, Damn still no action at I360, Any ideas what's holding it up ? And as for the marina, I thought they were building some kind of bridge across then starting ?


Yeah that's what I heard was happening, I guess it's quite a complex project so understandably it's going to take some time, don't forget the tower is going to be constructed on a platform built over the spending beach, surely a first for the UK.

Mott Macdonald who are the design consultants for this project (and the company my dad works for in their Brighton office :D), have a bit more info on the scheme here, it highlights some of the challenges that need be overcome before construction can begin -

http://www.buildings.mottmac.com/news/?id=108814

It was crazy as usual Brighton Boy! Didn't last long in Preston Park before we gave up in the heat and went to a pub for a pint - we couldnt find most of our friends anyway and mobile phones networks were a little busy to say the least!


Glad to hear you had a good time, I usually join the parade behind the queens arms bus blowing my gaydar radio whistle at various intervals along the route whilst smiling and dancing with a load of happy people on the way upto the park, it definately makes you feel proud to be from Brighton. :)

Glad to hear you had a good time, I usually join the parade behind the queens arms bus blowing my gaydar radio whistle at various intervals along the route whilst smiling and dancing with a load of happy people on the way upto the park, it definately makes you feel proud to be from Brighton. :)

I love this city! Best thing I ever did was move here. When I finish work and me and the missus get a nice bottle of wine to drink on the beach next to the West Pier (as it's near my flat) and watch the sunset and all the people enjoying themselves, I do feel like I'm in heaven. It's all part and parcel of the large number of minorities that go to make up this city - it's a tolerant, progressive city where you can be what you want to be. It attracts it's fair share of problems too, but for the most part it's just damn good fun!

I couldn't agree with you more elfabyanos. Brighton is such a vibrant and eclectic city. It is only when you visit some other towns and cities you realise just how lucky we are to live down here.
Sorry you missed Pride Brighton Boy it was great this year. Here's a pic to remind you of what you were missing! :)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1430/1052460688_f268a45e1b_b.jpg

Oh it was a great theme this year as well! musicals!

Some more pics here - http://www.realbrighton.com/storyphotos/3022/3

Apparently 150,000 people came down on Saturday for the event, which is a record attendance and just shows how huge this festival has become, without a doubt this is the UK's best gay pride celebration, and it's all completley free unlike other Pride events around the country.

It's a proper top notch festival, for free, on your doorstep. I can't believe how busy the whole city was on saturday. The only day that I remember it being worse was the time 250'000 out-of-towners (including me at the time) descended on the seafront for FatBoySlim's now infamous party. That was free too! This place rocks.

I grew up here, but moved away for Uni and jobs. The moment I got divorced, I headed straight back, it is the best city to live in in the UK bar none. It was great when it was seedy dump in the 80s, and it's great now. Could do with stopping all those fecking Londoners move here, the cunts really wreck the place.

just to let you know... there's gonna be more on this actors thing of them being hired to gatecrash planning meetings about king alfred but this time in the national media. my guess is the guilty parties have made a huge mistake and are going to be taking some pretty big kickings because of this - if im right itll be the biggest fisking someone has taken probably in the uk since standard life were kicked senseless last year over the brighton centre. anyway the story should be in the national press either this week or next.

ffs what were the developers thinking, did they really think they would get away with something like this, I doubt the hiring of actors had much of an impact on the final decision anyway so they may have just shot themselves in the foot here.

I just hope that this won't affect the scheme from going ahead, is this issue serious enough to derail the entire project do you think gothic?

you might say that but i couldnt possibly comment.

oh so we have to be submitted to more indecision and wasteful debate for a scheme that should be approved no matter what! The developers really didnt need actors to prove this scheme were they mad!?~? if I were frank gehry I would walk away from this mess thats proved that Britain yet again is a such a shambles in regard to planning.

Is this issue serious enough to derail the entire project do you think gothic?
I bloody hope so.Wrong site altogether for a tall ghery.I marked out how much light were gonna lose in hove as a result of a 30 story tall.too much.Some bits of beach will lose 3 hours sun.Thats not good
I love ghery but i love sunlight more .its why i live 2 mins from the beach.There are other ways to sort out king alfred, which is after all what the whole thing is about, no?
BTW i thought the decision was dun n dusted?
And large Im from west ldn dude!!!Some of us have indeed added to this funky town....
talking of festivals theres the Brunswick Sq event this weekend.Come along its wiked. Both Sat & sunday.V chilled & right by the sea. C U there.

Well I live right next to the king alfred site, and am all for the Gehry plans in this location, there are plenty of large apartment buildings nearby so this development will not in my opinion be too tall, I think it is a perfect site for this type of scheme, and although I appreciate your concerns for the loss of sunlight on the adjacent beach, we have miles and miles of beach to choose from so this will only over shadow a tiny part of it.

Originally Posted by dreadathecontrols
Some bits of beach will lose 3 hours sun.Thats not good


As the towers are directly to the north of the beach I can't see there being much of an issue with shade, other than very early in the morning and late evening in mid summer.

I keep checking the news to see if the story about the actors is going to break. Haven't seen any story other than in last week's Argus. Can you give us a clue Gothic as to where to look!

What going down in Brunswick Sq dreadathecontrols?

I've just been given a digital camera and I'm only 2 mins from the west pier, so as soon as I see any action.......

The news all albion fans have been waiting to hear has finally arrived!

FALMER PARISH COUNCIL DECIDE NOT TO APPEAL :banana:

Falmer is finally on its way!

Albion joy as council drops Falmer objection
By Simon Barrett

Brighton and Hove Albion's Falmer dream may finally come true after opponents dropped their fight against the stadium.

Falmer Parish Council and the South Downs Society both said they would not launch another legal challenge against the Government's decision to grant Albion permission to build the 22,500 seat arena.

Falmer parish councillors, who courted controversy last week when they barred The Argus from a public meeting on the stadium, said the ground would have a "huge impact" on the village.

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Today's news is seen as the club clearing the final hurdle in its decade-long quest for a new home, after Lewes District Council had earlier decided to concede defeat in its opposition to the proposals.

Champagne corks were popping across Sussex today as supporters celebrated the news.

Albion chief executive Martin Perry said: "This is fantastic. The main opponents have now all decided to accept defeat. Now we look to move forward, and we will do that with great haste.

"It also opens the door for us to talk to both Falmer and Lewes councils and ensure the development works for them as well as us.

"This stadium will be something the whole community can enjoy and be proud of. We are on our way to Falmer."

Over the past decade Albion fans have taken part in countless demonstrations and marches, written thousands of letters and even sent flowers to Government ministers.

Paul Samrah, the chairman of the Falmer For All campaign, said: "I am delighted. This is a momentous day for the club and everyone behind the stadium.

"I would like to thank Martin Perry and Dick Knight along with all the thousands of supporters who have backed us and never given up.

"Fans of every league club have backed our fight and now justice has finally been done. It has been a long time coming but the end is finally in sight.

"Now the time has come for all sides to work together and build bridges - although hopefully those bridges won't need planning permission."

The club will not be officially in the clear until September 4 - the Government's deadline for any appeal.

Falmer parish councillors decided to concede at a meeting on Tuesday night after taking legal advice which warned any appeal was unlikely to succeed.

Melanie Cutress, the chair of the council, said: "It is now clear from our legal advice that the Government is utterly determined to grant planning permission for the stadium, despite the acknowledged damage it will do to the landscape and the environment of Falmer.

"It has undoubtedly become a political decision. With the possibility of a snap general election in October, Hazel Blears has taken the opportunity to shore up the vote for the three Brighton and Hove Labour MPs who all have fragile majorities.

"Granting planning permission for the stadium goes against long adopted national and local planning policies, but the Government will continue to grant planning permission if we continue to challenge. We do not have a limitless stream of money to support a continued fight.

"Therefore, reluctantly, we have decided not to challenge the decision. It is going to be a very hard future. There can be no doubt that a stadium will have a huge impact on Falmer.

"Our greatest fear is that once development. begins where will it end?"

Other opponents warned they would keep a close eye on the development to ensure it met a string of conditions imposed by the Government.

Jacquetta Fewster, the director of the South Downs Society, said "Our volunteers have campaigned tirelessly for many years, but it is clear to us that further action by those who hold our countryside dear is futile in the face of the Government's determination.

"We will keep a close watch on this site. The developers have been instructed to fulfil certain conditions and the society will ensure that these are met."

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears approved plans for the £50 million stadium last month. Ms Blears was the third minister to oversee the planning application, which became the longest ever endured by a British football club.

The original decision to grant permission, made by John Prescott in October 2005, was quashed in the High Court after it was revealed he made a mistake in the wording of the document.

Albion now hope to kick off the 2010/11 season in their new home.

Wickid, SEAGULLS ! SEAGULLS ! I was just wondering, About the I360 they said they had to clear a lot of old debry from all around the beach, And some work on the west pier and stuff, So it could be they have been working As it was meant to begin on like the 27th july, Probaly just hidden from view from us. I might go and have a butch next week.

brunswick Sq festival. all local bands, chilled vibe if the weather holds out.... food stalls, tat n cloths stalls, & the beach nearby.starts @ 1 each day.
OK king alfreds.the apartment blocks near by are tops 7 stories.Gheries is 30 odd .A Bit of a difference.
And the sunlight thing is exactly as you said . from the months of may through to october the sun rises & sets North of the coast not south. and at the beautiful times of the day , morning & evening we lose 3 hours or more of sunlight, froma building of that size.The argument about having miles of beach is a falacy.Its crowded enough as it is all the way to shorham..The development will bring more people , more cars (joke) & less sun .brilliant!!All we want is a new bleedin leisure centre.
I used to support it .I voted in favour of it several times.then i started realy looking at the arguments put forward against it.And changed my mind .
I plan to stay here for at least another 15 years so that might affect my point of view .Alot of folk in this area are just passing through on there way to have families in five ways or boundry road or where ever.
i'll agree to disagaree but if we get that chance to vote again or go to some council meetings im afaid im against it.Depending on the alternatives.
Now, if it was further up the beach....
ites dread

The thing about the KA is that so much has come out into the public arena about both the development and the developers that the only people left supporting it would support it whatever the evidence and whatever the cost - if everyone in Brighton and Hove had to sacrifice their first born child in order to get the towers built, the same people would argue that to do otherwise would be a backward step for the city, etc.

It's just a very, very flawed development that's been mishandled from the beginning, and I think it's interesting that even on a forum like this a lot of people seem unconvinced by it.

I still maintain that if the people doing the Marina had been given the commission back in 2003, the thing would be pretty much built by now.

The thing about the KA is that so much has come out into the public arena about both the development and the developers that the only people left supporting it would support it whatever the evidence and whatever the cost - if everyone in Brighton and Hove had to sacrifice their first born child in order to get the towers built, the same people would argue that to do otherwise would be a backward step for the city, etc.

It's just a very, very flawed development that's been mishandled from the beginning, and I think it's interesting that even on a forum like this a lot of people seem unconvinced by it.

I still maintain that if the people doing the Marina had been given the commission back in 2003, the thing would be pretty much built by now.

My impression is that the majority of forumers including myself liked the original proposal best wth 30-40 storey towers, but are still very much in favour of the current project. However, had the towers remained taller, the surrounding development could have been smaller in scale with more open space around, which would have been my preference. While the issue of the developer having actors at the hearings has become known, this does not affect the merits of the project IMO. It is agreed that it was a pretty dumb thing for the developer to have done and now there is a backlash. Nonetheless, does anyone really want to go through years of development battles again with the likely end result of either a similar scale of development but dumbed down aesthetically, or a smaller project with a significantly reduced public benefits such as the a reduced scale leisure centre to replace the KA? In the meantime the site will sit deteriorating.

Who remembers the Black Rock pool - a great facility which languished closed for years while the marina was in construction, and never functioned again, then was vacant for decades till the current conference ctr / ice rink project came along.

Its also disappointing to read that there are some who think a tower in this location will result in 3 hours of shadows on the beach! I could understand this if the towers were in the sea, but it is directly to the north side of the beach.

About the I360 they said they had to clear a lot of old debry from all around the beach, And some work on the west pier and stuff, So it could be they have been working As it was meant to begin on like the 27th july, Probaly just hidden from view from us. I might go and have a butch next week.


I've wondered that too. I'm always on that part of the beach (for a quick bottle of wine after work with the missus!) and I can't see any activity not relating to the market stalls. The portacabins never have anyone in them as far as I can see, and all the vehicles parked up by them seem to all the market vendors. :(

Damn, I am really excited about it as you can probally tell lol. Im sure they must be doing something tho, just hidden from view. They must be !

I still maintain that if the people doing the Marina had been given the commission back in 2003, the thing would be pretty much built by now.

management is everything. andy godall is not josh arghiros.

management is everything. andy godall is not josh arghiros.
youre droppin dem names now.
But if i remember rightly Mr josh is the one doing KA.Anyway whoever is who, my neighbour knows tham & told me that the whole thing about the Ghery project getting the vote - remeber that?? - was dun n dusted .(I actually voted for Rodgers that time) So thw whole thing has been bent from the begining.
The point about killing our first born is so true.Like Brighton is gonna implode if we dont get a ghery? Or even a tall on Hove seafront. Erm yeah .
we want a new leisure centre but the pissing council cant get it together to fund it .How about a bond issue? Its infra.
But oh no then all we get a boring olde leisure centre not a 21st C "entrance to Brighton, anouncing its intent to contemporize.". Bloody sad gimps.We already have a cluster.stick all the new talls in there.And lots of 'em
BTW i never thought i would be so proud to be a nimby
But as i said B4 , if they wanna put a ghery up the road , in the hole that used to be a beautiful art decco building or the other side of the meeting place, than brilliant
Nimbies shout it LOUD.

will sit deteriorating.


Its also disappointing to read that there are some who think a tower in this location will result in 3 hours of shadows on the beach! I could understand this if the towers were in the sea, but it is directly to the north side of the beach.
Time for you to be further dissapointed.
mate i aint bein' rude but in my last post about sunlight i pointed why were gonna lose the light.
If you open your eyes you might notice the sun both rises & sets NORTH of the beach between may & october.East or west as aplicable.Thats how it works in the northen hemisphere if you face south
Next time your out & its a sunny evening( next year probs) go & stand infront of the blocks between KA & Madina villas.The shadow will be to your south . IE towards the beach.Multiply that by 30 stories & then you might not be quite so dissappointed.
I wouldnt bother to mention it if i was talkin' outa my arse

Edit: just to proove to my self i aint goin' nuts .Its 7.30am .My window faces due east & the sun is rising to my left.

Personally that does not bother me in the slightest, in fact I like to sit in the shade so it will be a perfect spot for me to enjoy the beach in summer without getting burnt. :)

I've wondered that too. I'm always on that part of the beach (for a quick bottle of wine after work with the missus!) and I can't see any activity not relating to the market stalls. The portacabins never have anyone in them as far as I can see, and all the vehicles parked up by them seem to all the market vendors. :(

Lets not start worrying, small delays to major scheme's like this are commonplace.

Maybe we could email the west pier trust to ask them for an update as to what is going on?

More info on the upcoming Carling Academy Brighton, sounds very promising.

New music venue moves step closer
By Katya Mira

A top new music venue in the same building that once played host to The Beatles and the Rolling Stones has moved a step closer.

Proposals for an "opulent" and "theatrical" Brighton Academy have been sent to planning chiefs.

If the scheme at the Brighton Hippodrome site in Middle Street, Brighton, is given the go-ahead it is believed the venue could become a leading light in Britain's music industry.

It would also restore what is widely regarded as one of the city's architectural gems to its former glory.

The plans from Academy Music Group Agent (AMG), which runs the Carling Academy in Brixton, London, and the Shepherd's Bush Empire in the capital, are estimated to cost around £3million.

Plans include tiered terraces leading down to a central stage area, originally an ice rink, which would mean standing and sitting audiences could have a clear view of the stage.

As many of the Grade II listed building's original fixtures and features would be restored as possible including the arch, balcony balustrade and original doors and the building would be redecorated with period colours.

Damaged areas of the decorative domed ceiling are to be repaired and balcony seating would be put back with new curved terraces.

A VIP area and the stage would be reinstated to its original level with the mezzanine floor installed in recent years removed.

The 'elephant house' entrance in the back yard will also be restored with new gates, doors and lick of paint.

There are also plans to modernise toilet facilities and exits, improve the acoustics in the roof and build several new bars, including a Venetian bar full of canopies and mirrors.

AMG took on a 35-year lease on the Middle Street building in February.

The building had been a bingo hall for nearly 40 years and has been empty since August.

The venue was originally built in 1897 as an ice rink and was converted to a joint circus and variety theatre in 1902 which over the years hosted household names like Sandra Bernhardt, Laurel and Hardy, Max Miller, Vera Lynn, Judy Garland and Buster Keaton.

In the Sixties the Rolling Stones and The Beatles graced the Hippodrome stage but it closed in 1965.

If the plans are approved by Brighton and Hove City Council several months of restoration lie ahead.

A spokesman for AMG said: "The proposed development's main ethos is to provide a quality vibrant venue for established and new contemporary acts.

"This will be harping back to the original use of the building, where such acts as The Beatles provided live entertainment.

"All detailing will be designed to reflect the design ethics of opulence and theatricality."

Personally that does not bother me in the slightest, in fact I like to sit in the shade so it will be a perfect spot for me to enjoy the beach in summer without getting burnt. :)

Ok thats great for you.
But to extend that logic we should let the whole of the seafront be developed into talls & become what The Boss man calls 'the UK Miami'.
Brilliant.

Anyway im outa this one. I've gone nimby on it...

...more or less ,though there are the obvious advanges of getting a ghery at the bottom your road & how the area will benefit...Actually my solution is to site the tall part of the dev at the western part of it so the shadows on Mrs Bumbles, but she didnt agree...

Also ive now become very selective in my attitides to siting talls.
I was 'put 'em up let the clusters start' Now i'm 'Only put 'em in the clusters'.
Must be an age thing .
And, likely the realisation that the HK skyilne , which i re-visited a few months ago, was in fact better 15 years ago,when the bulidings were less than 50 stories, were in juxtapositon to The Peak, and the density on the hills behind was visable.(..that didnt go down well on the HK forum most people being too young to remember that anyway....)
Now there just BIG but ovearall not pretty.
As we all know size aint everthing , its technique that counts.

If anyone can spot me at brunswick i'll get 'em a drink.A clue i aint got dreads anymore & my mate runs the felafel stall(ooops thats the giveaway)
Its a gorgeous day, lets hope it is for the weekend.Njoy whatever youre up to.
Ites Dread

I think we'll have to agree to disagree on the King alfred dread, how was the brunswick festival anyway?
There seemed to be plenty of people down there when I passed by on Saturday :)

By the way did anyone get to go to the intimate Foo Fighters gig on Friday? I was gutted I couldn't get a ticket. :(

Anyway moving on, there seems to be renewed hope that the west pier could finally be rebuilt, a mixed residential/commercial pier sounds interesting, and although it wouldn't be to everyones taste, the idea of owning a property on a pier would surely appeal to some, especially in such a popular city like Brighton.

From Brighton business website -

Could housing be the salvation of West Pier?
Some of Britain’s decrepit piers have been purchased for redevelopment as up-market housing with the added cachet of a truly unique location. Could Brighton’s West Pier go the same way?

Existing piers at Fleetwood (close to Blackpool), Birnbeck (near Weston super Mare) and Southwold (Suffolk) are likely to be the first in the UK to have this radical change of use.

The new owner of 500 foot long Fleetwood Pier – Mike Simmons – is proposing to build 85 flats complete with wind turbine power generation and a communal garden at the Pier head. Last week an international architecture competition was launched to come up with a scheme for the Birnbeck Pier, which was built in1866 and juts out into the Bristol Channel. The successful scheme will have an estimated value of about £30m and will include apartments and a hotel.

Southwold Pier in Suffolk has already gained planning consent for a residential redevelopment, which will take two years to complete.

There is continued hope that Brighton’s West Pier may rise from the ashes. An unnamed private company has been talking to the West Pier Trust about restoring the greater part of the derelict pier, including the concert hall, incorporating a hotel. This is separate from, and in addition to, the i360 Brighton Eye opposite the pier entrance, which has cleared all the planning hurdles and is set to commence construction shortly.

Anthony Wills – director of the National Piers Society – has expressed the view that building homes may be the only way of saving the UK’s 55 surviving piers.

Since the bulk of it has been destroyed by fire, there would be considerably more work to do to resurrect the West Pier than some of the other examples listed above which would add considerably to the cost of any redevelopment scheme. However, residential accommodation on a re-built Brighton West Pier would have considerably more cachet as an address (and consequently command a higher price) than say Weston-super-Mare!

Wickid ! How great would it be, To have the I360 and a Brand NEW Pier !! :D It would surely make brighton the best city in the south ! If its not already.

yeah andy is doing the brighton marina development and josh is doing the king alfred one. if you know them then youll know their contrasting management styles - i'd say that andy is much more the man than josh.

So there's definately action on the arena site by the marina - a passer by told me that is actually the site offices etc for the marina tower development etc, is that the case? And that the arena will be built once the other development is completed? Does anyone know the timetable for the various phases of the development?

I took a (fuzzy) photo, there's a couple of diggers and dumpers, portacabins and (last but by no means least) a portaloo. Will post pics later.

Went to the Brunswick Festival, listened to the cool band, bought some really hot chilli flakes. Went looking for Deadatthecontrols and confused the guy at the falafel store something cronic!

I've never posted a photo before on the forum before, I've come to the net cafe and forgotten the photo. It's such a bad photo too, the anti-climax will be astonishing.

So there's definately action on the arena site by the marina - a passer by told me that is actually the site offices etc for the marina tower development etc, is that the case? And that the arena will be built once the other development is completed? Does anyone know the timetable for the various phases of the development?

I took a (fuzzy) photo, there's a couple of diggers and dumpers, portacabins and (last but by no means least) a portaloo. Will post pics later.

Went to the Brunswick Festival, listened to the cool band, bought some really hot chilli flakes. Went looking for Deadatthecontrols and confused the guy at the falafel store something cronic!

Interesting, cheers for that mate, although I doubt they will wait until the marina tower is complete before they start on the arena as the tower project isn't due for completion until 2011, and the arena is due to open around 2010/2011.

Don't forget that we also have the explore living proposals for the marina, which is another massive scheme, in around a years time this area should be one mega construction site. :)

I've never posted a photo before on the forum before, I've come to the net cafe and forgotten the photo. It's such a bad photo too, the anti-climax will be astonishing.

Photos are always welcome however good or bad, we haven't had any pics on this forum for a while so bring it on! :D

By the way if anyone's interested you can watch highlights from the foo fighters gig at the concorde 2 last Friday by pressing the red button on bbc one and selecting 'foo fighters gig' all this week :)

Ok - here goes. (sorry I haven't resized 'em, and apologies for the fuzziness, had no tripod, and even though I rested the camera on the walls and gates it still came out like this, ho hum)

Through the site entrace gates by the Volks station. Right behind me taking this photo is another set of hoardings for the sewage and water works going on, leaving a small path between the two sites for access between the station and the marina.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/DSCF0039.jpg

Looking through towards the other end of the site.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/DSCF0040.jpg

This is from the West Breakwater looking directly down on the area of water/beach where the Marina Tower will be sited.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/DSCF0041.jpg

And this is the West Pier, no change here for months.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/DSCF0038.jpg

Cheers for those elfabyanos, whilst there is still no construction on site it is encouraging to see the portacabins up and ready.

I really cannot wait to see this scheme grow, this along with the explore living proposals and the new arena are going to change the western half of the marina beyond all recognition.

Thanks for the pics elfabyanos. Great to see the first signs that construction is imminent at Black Rock.

I've tried to work out what the portacabins at the West Pier are for, as they've been there for ages.

Also, those pics re the black rock site, there were workmen milling around in the portacabins on Sunday, which is a good sign if any. Plus the number of portacabins is quite large, in fact the whole fenced of site is really big.

I've tried to work out what the portacabins at the West Pier are for, as they've been there for ages.



I think I know the ones you're talking about, I think they are temporary public toilets as there used to be ones nearby that shut down.

For anyone interested here's the Brighton arena website - www.brightonarena.co.uk

There's a flythrough video on there which gives you an idea of how the arena will look inside and out.

I think I know the ones you're talking about, I think they are temporary public toilets as there used to be ones nearby that shut down.

I've had the pleasure of using those ones, there just at the bottom of the steps (and I think, with what I could hear that the cublicles are large enough for two!). The portacabin that I can't work out is the one at the top of the steps, just to the right of the photo I posted. These look like site office cabins, but as nothing seems to be happening, maybe they are offices for other seafront escapades - organising the market stalls? Councilling for skaters that are losing faith in their boards? Just site offices for the stuff underneath the pier thats all fenced off?

I think you are talking about the offices of the West Pier Trust. I once booked tickets for one of the West Pier guided walks in that portacabin. The trust used to hold guided tours of the pier before it fell in to such a state of disrepair that it became too dangerous to walk on.

Aaahaaaa! So definately nothing to do with construction. Thanks for clearing that up.

More info on the Brighton centre project, I am quite impressed by the determination of our tory councillors to get this going as soon as possible.

I wish they would stop teasing us like this though, I want to see some renders!

New Brighton Centre is £3 billion boost
By Lawrence Marzouk

The redevelopment of the Brighton Centre will inject a massive £3 billion into the city's economy, research has revealed.

More than 1,000 jobs will also be created as part of the huge scheme which will take in the Brighton Centre, Kingswest and Churchill Square.

The figure has emerged in the minutes of a meeting held by the South East England Development Agency, published this week.

A report was drawn up by the Government Quango to investigate whether the scheme was financially viable.

Almost £400 million will be ploughed into the project but the investigation concludes that the redevelopment of the central Brighton site will create between £2.3 and £3 billion for the economy in the next 30 years.

Some 1,006 jobs will be generated, and 470 current employees safeguarded, in the new development, including staff for the four-star hotel and retail positions for a larger Churchill Square which could include an extended Debenhams.

Brighton and Hove City Council will be contributing £31.7 million, Seeda £18.5 million and Standard Life is investing £349 million to regenerate the Churchill Square retail centre and a new Brighton Centre.

Councillor Brian Oxley, leader of the council, said: "A lot of people in city know how important the Brighton Centre is to the economy and Seeda have put a figure on that.

"In terms of future economic growth and prosperity it is essential.

"Before the election we said we would really move this forward and we are delighted that Seeda has decided to invest.

"Discussions are still continuing and I have made it very clear I would like to see this go ahead as quickly as possible."

It is hoped the revamp will put the Brighton Centre in competition for the worldís most lucrative conferences.

Town Hall bosses have decided to sidestep growing competition from other larger centres by creating a hightech, luxurious complex to rival the most exclusive venues around the globe.

The 25,000sqm centre will aim to attract the biggest names in business and cater for conferences of up to 1,500 delegates.

More exhibition space and bigger banqueting facilities will be on offer compared to the current site.

The Argus understands that Make Architects, fronted by Ken Shuttleworth, has already produced plans for the city's most lucrative asset.

During his time as a senior architect at Lord Norman Foster's firm, Mr Shuttleworth played a key role in designing landmark buildings including City Hall, near Tower Bridge, 30 St Mary Axe, dubbed The Gherkin, and the arches of the new Wembley Stadium.

Mark Jones,chairman of Brighton and Hove Hotels Association, said conference trade is key to filling rooms on week days.

He said: "If it is a high-end hotel included on site it will really help reinforce the feeling that Brighton is a great place to be.

"The conference market is changing and the days of 10,000 person Labour conferences are probably gone.

"Everybody is scaling down and we should be able to appeal to a new bread of conferences with this state-of-the-art centre."

City centre manager Soozie Campbell said the conference centre and extra shops will have be a major boost to current retailers.

She said: "It should have an positive impact on the whole city and it is an opportunity for shops that have not been able to find somewhere.

"There are at least 200 that cannot find a suitable property and if they cannot find the space they go elsewhere."

The existing Brighton Centre is celebrating 30 years but has lost some ground to bigger and more modern venues across the country.

New Brighton Centre: This is going to be the big project for the next decade, I just hope all parties get this right and build something that will be a wonderful legacy for the city.

RE: Conference/Exhibition Centre: Will this project have a relationship with the Hotel Metropole facilities, which together could be a tremendous attractor for events to Brighton? Will the new facilities be something special or a functional characterless box like the current Brighton Centre?

Seafront Connection: Will there be a great (spacious and simple/linear) public routeway from Western Road to the beach in parallel to West Street?

Hotel/Apartments: Will there be a mixed use tower above with a viewing gallery/restaurant?

Seafront facade: Can this be significantly better than anything built fronting the seafront between the piers since WW2?

I would be very happy if Brighton could see on this site something akin to the Blackpool Tower with its facilities below. Likewise, the Tokyo Tower has a huge tourism complex at its base.

If you open your eyes you might notice the sun both rises & sets NORTH of the beach between may & october.East or west as applicable. Thats how it works in the northen hemisphere if you face south
Next time your out & its a sunny evening( next year probs) go & stand infront of the blocks between KA & Madina villas.The shadow will be to your south . IE towards the beach.Multiply that by 30 stories & then you might not be quite so dissappointed.
I wouldnt bother to mention it if i was talkin' outa my arse

Edit: just to proove to my self i aint goin' nuts .Its 7.30am .My window faces due east & the sun is rising to my left.

I do not doubt that towards sunrise and sunset, as the sun rises or sets, that there can be some shadowing towards the south as you explain. However, is this significant? When you mentioned that the beach is overshadowed for three hours, this sounds very dramatic and is the sort of comment that protesters raise to get attention, but in actuality is there an impact during the regular daytime hours, say 9am to 6pm in the summer, at which people will go to the beach to enjoy the sun?

I had a look at the planning report/analysis done submitted by the developers to the City in January 2007 which essentially only identifies an overshadowing concern in relation to properties to the north side of the Kingsway, and that the main towers were moved towards the centre of the site, away from the Kingsway, to mitigate this issue. No issue was raised in relation to the beach. If this is a significant issue, one would imagine this would not go unmentioned by City planners.

This is a good read if you're interested in some of the ideas that could be brought to reality with this new project, the Brighton centre SPD.

As well as the building of a new Brighton centre it highlights opportunities to create landmark buildings in certain locations, and encourages a new pedestrian link between western road and the seafront via cannon place, also it recommends improving some existing streetscapes, for example an increase in height for the western road frontage of the churchill square shopping centre, creating a new retail floor for the mall.


http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/downloads/bhcc/local_plan_2005/Brighton_Centre_SPD.pdf

I went on a pleasure boat trip from the Marina and took loads of photos yesterday of the sea front. It was a beautiful day, quite hazy - the old power station tower at Shoreham was only just visible, and Worthing had completely disappeared into the ozone. For those who don't know. the boat runs out of the Marina, travels west along the seafront, round the Palace Pier along to the wreck of the old West Pier, peaks past the West Pier to catch a glimpse of Hove and Shoreham, before turning round and heading back to the marina.
After heading out of the marina I took a few photos with the camera at all the wrong settings so the first pic below is when I'm nearly at the Palace Pier (I was standing at the back of the boat).

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/KempTownfromPier.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/picpier02.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/mainseafront03.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/BrightonCentertoWestPier.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/BrightonSeaFrontfromWest.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/WestPierClose.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/HovetoShoreham.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/WestPierBedfordSquare.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/thistletobrunswick.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/TwoPiers.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/KempTown.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/PalacePierDistantfromEast.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/yachts-sun.jpg

Wow excellent photos elfabyanos, The city really looks stunning from the sea, last summer my mate took me out in his speedboat (which I had a go at driving! yay for me) and I also got some pictures but can't seem to remember where I stored them on my pc :S

Anyway hope you had a good time, out of interest how much does it cost for the boat trip from the marina?

Was in your fantastic city over the weekend, pics over in the link bellow if anyones interested :)

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=15024537#post15024537

Anyway hope you had a good time, out of interest how much does it cost for the boat trip from the marina?

£7.50 for a 45 minute trip. My mate at work did the 90 minute fishing one, which cost £15, but he caught a couple of mackerel too!

Ah cool, not too expensive then, I'll give it a go someday.

Anyone fancy a party on a bus this coming Saturday?
http://www.thebiglemon.com/launch.html

Live music + Free glasses of bubbly = Can't go wrong.

Quite a good development for Newhaven called the west quay, this area seems to be getting quite a lot of new residential development of late.

http://www.newhavenmarina.com/images/cape_architect_impression.jpg

Another development nearby called the railway quay.
http://www.newhavenmarina.com/images/railway_architect_impression.jpg

Also noticed this the other day in Eastbourne, a development at sovereign harbour called the boardwalk.

http://www.redrow.co.uk/img/assets/houses/centauri2bedapt_apartment_brick.jpg

http://www.redrow.co.uk/img/assets/houses/bimini1bedapt_apartment_brick.jpg

http://www.redrow.co.uk/img/assets/houses/centauri1bedapt_apartment_brick.jpg

Sorry about not responding to your invitation - can never go wrong with free bubbly as you say!!! Instead I went to London and had my camera pinched!!!

Interesting developments in Newhaven - be good to see a bit more action. I was struck in London at how much construction is going on - Brighton by comparison is a little slow I think. Hopefully that will all be changing very soon!!!

Yes I know what you mean, we're just waiting for things to get going like the king alfred, the marina, the I360 etc, and for the developers of other big scheme's across the city to submit their planning applications, I'm sure we won't have to wait too much longer until we really start seeing these projects get off the ground. :)

oh by the way I just found this piece of news regarding the i360 on the west pier trust website.

http://www.westpier.co.uk/

It states that work is now due to start on site during September.

Fingers crossed any day now ...

I think this has to be good news, I really thought visitor numbers could have dropped slightly this year due to the bad weather but it has actually increased, a clear indication that a lot of people are now coming here to enjoy a city break rather than a traditional seaside holiday.

B&H council press release -

Tourism up - despite the weather
Brighton & Hove has maintained its tourist appeal through rain and shine this summer with increased visitor figures.

More Brits than ever before are defying the continually changing UK weather and holidaying at home, according to new figures from the council's tourism organisation VisitBrighton.

Shops in the city have been enjoying a 20% increase in footfall during the summer period – averaging some 330,000 people a week, compared to 280,000 a week for the same period last year.

The Sealife Centre has seen a 17% increase in visitors and the Grand Hotel has hosted 5% more guests compared with last summer.

With its unique collection of award winning restaurants and bars, unrivalled shopping and eclectic choice of activities to enjoy – and an award winning blue flag beach – Brighton & Hove has bucked the trend and experienced a busy summer period.

The chairman of the council’s culture, recreation and tourism committee, Councillor David Smith, said: “The weather this summer has been incredibly unsettled but that has not deterred our visitors. More and more people are visiting the city because whatever the weather there’s always something for them to enjoy.”

For exclusive offers and discounted rates on a huge variety of attractions and places to stay, and the city’s latest entertainment news, visit www.VisitBrighton.com.

Yay for brighton!!! Woop woop!

great boat trip pics .
A view we dont generally get to see.
Just re emphasises why its the best place(me biased?) in the UK to live .
Man i just love this town.
Re: shade from Ghery.No there is no shade onto the beach during day beach time.
Its probably only significant to me , one who feels that any less sun is not a good thing.
BTW Brunswick was kinda rained out.But still good
But never mind.Summer is here so its all down to Marococs for a double scoop spicey chocolate.
if you like broom brooms & bikes.Its Brighton speed trials next weekend.Now a major event on the national sprint calander.
I hope to get there early.Though its a mates birthday that day too so will have to leave after lunch
(i'm prob the only bloke there in flip flops...)
Njoy

.Its Brighton speed trials next weekend.Now a major event on the national sprint calander.
I hope to get there early.Though its a mates birthday that day too so will have to leave after lunch
(i'm prob the only bloke there in flip flops...)
Njoy

Went to the time trials last year (I say went to, we normally walk around of a weekend anyway). The funniest thing, we were following these biker dudes in their tight leather trousers when one of them let one rip just in front of us - one of those "I can't stop it but I'm trying to be queit so that my mates don't hear" ones, and we thought how awful to have one stuck inside your airtight hot sweaty leather trousers. Anyways, will probably pop down there again, might record some sounds too - it's the engine noise I love best!!!

Good news, the preston barracks projects seems to be moving forward finally.

Preston Barracks Scheme Back On Track
By Lawrence Marzouk

A troubled regeneration scheme is back on track after a major supermarket emerged as a new partner for the project.

Food giant Waitrose is being lined up to fill a multimillion-pound funding gap which has delayed the scheme for 650 jobs, 400 new homes and 12,000 square metres of office space on the site off Lewes Road, Brighton.

Under the plans Preston Barracks would be transformed into an 18-storey tower block, bars, businesses and a supermarket the size of a football pitch.

No details have been released on which major chain will be taking up the site but The Argus understands a new Waitrose store is one of the options being looked at.

It had been hoped that an extended B&Q, which is already on the next door Pavilion centre, would plug the financial hole in the scheme but the DIY giants withdrew from negotiations in April 2006.

Developers CDHA and Hyde then began talks with Sainsbury's, the owner of a superstore at the Vogue Gyratory in Lewes Road.

But plans to move the shop from the traffic-choked junction half-a-mile away to Preston Barracks also fell though and other major grocers were looked at.

The scheme will generate new jobs in the supermarket, bars and cafes but also attract high-skilled positions to an IT company which is set to take up some of the office space.

Proposals for the derelict ex-Territorial Army base have been on the drawing board for five years and developers now hope to submit a planning application for the development next summer.

The scheme, which includes an 18-storey residential block, will not be completed until 2014 at the earliest.

Councillor Garry Peltzer Dunn, the chairman of Brighton and Hove City Council's major projects sub-committee, said at a meeting last night: "The inclusion of 12,000 square metres of office space is regeneration, the provision of housing is regeneration and low cost homes is regeneration.

"It could be the catalyst for regeneration of the area.

"The scheme may not offer everything to everyone but it will offer the majority of what we want to the majority of people."

But the project could be in breach of the council's planning guidelines and developers must now prove that there is a need for a new supermarket in the area and that it cannot be fitted in a more central site.

Green convener councillor Keith Taylor and Labour leader councillor Gill Mitchell both expressed some concern about the development last night.

Councillor Mitchell is worried that an "Innovation Centre", which would be managed by Brighton University, may now not be included on the site.

She said: "The funding was put forward to get a regeneration scheme and I think what we have got is retail and housing.

"I can see it will bring life to the area but it will also bring a lot of traffic."

Councillor Taylor said he was worried a new supermarket would further clog up one of the most polluted areas of Brighton.

He said: "This is a great scheme and it works on its own but it is not in a void.

"There will be two superstores within a few yards of each other."

But Simon Chatfield, of developer Hyde, told the councillors he was confident the scheme would work and meet the council's guidelines.

He said: "We think there will be a negligible increase in terms of traffic and air quality.

"It provides a major opportunity for the city and in particular the north east side of the city.

"We are looking to create a new place on Lewes Road.

"We are convinced that this works and that the business plan is viable.

"It will give an opportunity for Brighton residents and people who want to move to Brighton but are on lower incomes to find a home."

Councillors last night voted to support the progress of the scheme so that negotiations can begin on a development agreement.

Waitrose was unavailable for comment.

Went to the time trials last year (I say went to, we normally walk around of a weekend anyway). The funniest thing, we were following these biker dudes in their tight leather trousers when one of them let one rip just in front of us - one of those "I can't stop it but I'm trying to be queit so that my mates don't hear" ones, and we thought how awful to have one stuck inside your airtight hot sweaty leather trousers. Anyways, will probably pop down there again, might record some sounds too - it's the engine noise I love best!!!

C u there mate .
Aha if its the sounds ur into, as i am, chek out the goodwoods.if u go on the friday of either event u get all the sounds without the crowds - & expense- .And remember brands hatch is only 40 mins away in the other direction.
I've been dubbed 'eco-petrol head' (the BGG is my festival of default...)by mechanics in the past so could wax lyrical about historic motor sports.So i wont.Check out 'ten-tenths' forum for that.
Maaan its soo good here.Just found out about a wicked sculpture park near here too, in the georgious woods on the downs nr the goodwood estate.,a fantastic park up spot too.And theres a reggae pub 5 mins away...Its tooo goood.
Ites

Brighton boy, any chance you could update the 1st post of this thread?

Yep sure, I'm on the case.

Great - thanks. :)

wow... just took a look at your front page. Really didn't expect to see so many big projects on there... Brighten just like every other city... if those guys in hull are shouting out for a forum... you guys should be too...just as much stuff going on.

Quite a few high rise projects too....

Totally agree danz013.

Everyone from the smaller cities are in agreement that something needs to be done sooner rather than later with the subforum situation. There seems to be some regional plans for the ssite in the pipeline to offer multiple threads for the medium sized cities, so we wait and see what transpires...

Some good stuff on there. Nice one BB.

Cheers guys, I've added a few more things to the front page, there is a hell of a lot going on down here in Brighton, really we just need more forumers from the area to contribute and then we'll be away. :)

If not our own sub forum then an idea would be to have a joint one with the other south coast cities of Portsmouth and Southampton as there is plenty going on to talk about down that way as well.

You guys have got more high rise stuff then us lol!

Why was the Beetham tower rejected?

I think know everyones re-doing their front pages we're really gettin a change to see all the stuff thats going off in other cities.

You guys have got more high rise stuff then us lol!

Why was the Beetham tower rejected?




The council thought that the building would have been too tall for it's surroundings (although actually the location is perfect for high rises, it even says so in the councils tall buildings policy!), also they weren't a big fan of the design (neither was I), it's a bit bland and not really good enough for such a prominent site, Beetham did appeal but weren't successful, they are now working on a new design which will probably see a reduction in height for the tower.

I see... It does seem to stand out a little. From that picture it dosn't look like theres any other tall buildings about. Projects in Notts are always getting their heights slashed by the council.... we've not had any real high rises proposed yet... we'll we've had one... which I'm so pissed off about i dont wanna talk about.

Well there is a 22 storey building near to the site, plus a couple of ten storey ones, none of which are shown in that render as it's looking from the wrong angle.:)

Reading that summary literally makes my mouth water.

The Beetham Tower and Brighton Marina Tower both look amazing, and they're both gonna be huge, 100m +, well done Brighton!
Is the i360 observation tower actually under construction??

thanks mate the roaring forties marina tower is going to be 128 metres high not sure about the other marina point tower though. And yes the observation tower is starting within a couple of weeks. :)

Nice updates to the thread Brighton Boy.

I don't recall, how high exactly is the KA tower(s)?

According to skyscraper news, king alfred tower 1 will have 26 floors and be 85 metres tall and tower 2 will have 20 floors and be 68 metres tall.

Is there any chance the monorail plan could be come a reality?
Local councillors seem to want to push ahead with it, as do SEEDA the development agency.

Man behind monorail declared bankrupt
By Lawrence Marzouk

One of the men behind Brighton's monorail project has declared himself bankrupt.

David Courtney, who enjoyed a successful song-writing partnership with Leo Sayer in the Seventies, has filed for bankruptcy after racking up debts.

The well-known figure is the brains behind the Walk of Fame at Brighton Marina and has been working as a consultant on ambitious plans to link the marina with the Brighton Centre and Shoreham Harbour.

He has been operating as a self-employed consultant under the name of the David Courtney Organisation in recent years.

But last night he emphasized that his own financial difficulties will have no impact on the any of the projects he is working on.

He said: "It has nothing to do with the monorail or the Walk of Fame. They are not affected whatsoever.

"It is something I had to deal with personally.

"There are bigger and better men who have gone down the same route."

Mr Courtney, who discovered Leo Sayer, refused to go into any detail about the bankruptcy and to whom he owed money.

He describes himself as an "internationally renowned record producer and composer who has worked with some of the legendary names in music" on his website.

A former director of City Partnership Ltd, which is pushing ahead with the monorail plans, he is now a small shareholder in the company along with builder John Regan.

The firm has worked on a series of plans, including a scheme to restore the derelict West Pier.

Mr Courtney, of Sussex Mews, Brighton, is confident the monorail scheme can succeed and said plans were advancing.

He said: "I am working very hard on the monorail project.

"It is going very well - we are talking with potential consultants who will do all the technical work that has to go on.

"We are meeting with the potential investors and we will be doing a presentation to the council.

"It will be a catalyst to helping all the developments in the city."

The monorail train would link Brighton Marina to Shoreham Harbour under multimillion-pound plans.

Futuristic trains would glide from the marina to the Palace Pier and then on to the Brighton Centre by 2009.

A second phase is being drawn up which would link central Brighton with Frank Gehry's King Alfred redevelopment in Hove and Shoreham Harbour.

Newly elected Conservative councillors and James Brathwaite, the chairman of the South East England Development Agency, are keen to see the scheme developed further.

The walk of fame, which follows a route around marina, was founded by David Courtney in 2002.

He first had the idea to transplant the American institution in 1979 while living in Hollywood.

Mr Courtney is also the nephew of Henry Cohen, the man behind the Brighton Marina development, and played drums with early 60s pop star Adam Faith.

Tenon Recovery, of Queen's Road, Brighton, has been appointed as the trustee of the Mr Courtney's estate.

The company declined to comment yesterday.

Looks like the council is also pushing ahead with plans for the rapid bus system, perhaps a fall back plan incase the monorail project falls through?

On a different note, I am impressed by the number of journeys made each year on the buses here, the figure now stands at almost 40 million journeys per year :nuts: - way more than any other city our size.

Councillors try to sell scheme to minister
By Ben Parsons

The Government minister who could hand over the cash for a congestion-busting transport scheme has been taken on a tour of the proposed route.

Transport minister Rosie Winterton was shown around Brighton and Hove by councillors who explained how limited-stop buses with dedicated road lanes could prevent gridlock on the city's streets.

The buses would run east between Brighton railway station, American Express, the Royal Sussex County Hospital and the marina, and west between the Brighton Centre, the planned i360 and the King Alfred development.

advertisementThe scheme is designed to take 1,600 cars off the road at peak times and increase public transport use by 2,000 people a day.

Ms Winterton told The Argus: "I have had a very helpful tour of the route and an explanation of what is proposed and that has been extremely interesting.

"At the moment we are awaiting a business case from the council and will consider that when it comes in."

Tony Mernagh, the chief executive of Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership, said the visit will help the city's efforts to secure between £11m and £12m in funding from the Regional Transport Board for the south east.

He said: "Ms Winterton could see how the rapid transport system would really help the city.

"I think she was impressed. It doesn't do any harm for her to come personally and see the situation in Brighton."

Councillor Brian Oxley, the leader of Brighton and Hove City Council said: "We have made award-winning progress in boosting bus use across the city, mainly through a long-standing, informal quality partnership with the major bus operator here, and we aim to continue this trend.

"The opportunity to discuss and influence emerging Government policy is helpful and we hope that our successful experiences here in the city will be taken into account.

"We very much hope that the minister will also be impressed by our plans for a new, bus-based rapid transport system and how as a new administration we expect to address the transport challenges that the city faces in the future."

Ms Winterton hailed the city's existing bus system as a model for other councils to follow when she visited Brighton yesterday.

Bus use rose from 26 per cent between 2001 and 2007, from 31.3 million passenger journeys to 39.4 million in the city.

She said the city's success would influence new laws giving back greater involvement with bus services to local councils.

Ms Winterton said: "Brighton and Hove's performance in increasing bus patronage has been impressive - long may it continue.

"I want to make sure that when the draft Local Transport Bill becomes law it will help continue this positive trend and help other local authorities around the country achieve similar success.

"It's essential we learn from the success of places like Brighton and Hove so we can feed that winning formula into the draft Local Transport Bill

As I previously guessed, delays to the arena project have been caused by the other 2 major marina schemes, the developer is confident that planning will be submitted this autumn though, which is good news.

http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/imageLibrary/1.1-view-from-sea-wall.jpg


More time for plans for Black Rock scheme
By Lawrence Marzouk

Developers behind a £70million Olympic ice rink have been handed yet more time to submit a planning bid for the seafront site after failing to meet their original deadline.

Brighton and Hove City Council had set July 2007 as a cut-off point for a planning application to be submitted for the Brighton International Arena but after the scheme was bedevilled by delays, councillors agreed to extend the deadline by nine months.

The Black Rock project will include two ice rinks, a 11,000-seat concert hall, a 100-seat cinema, a museum, recording and dance studios, bars, shops and restaurants.

It is also hoped it will hold conferences while the Brighton Centre is closed for redevelopment.

Two million visitors are expected to visit the venue each year and it will create 126 permanent jobs and 250 part time positions.

But the venue has been beset by problems brought on by a raft of new proposed developments at the nearby marina.

The pledge in September 2003 was that the arena would be built in 2007.

David Pople, the managing director of Brighton Arena Ltd, then announced in 2006 that a planning application would be submitted in October and a series of other target dates have been and gone.

But Mr Pople told The Argus yesterday that the planning application would be submitted this autumn, well before the nine-month cut off point.

He said: "The original target was that the council wanted to get the planning application by July.

"We have been delayed by the other developments at the marina coming though.

"A lot of discussions have been taken place and we had to wait around for the release of information.

"We are still hoping to be on site next year.

"I am more confident now about when we will be submitting the planning application than before because we are towards the end of the pre-planning process."

He added that funding had been secured and that an announcement was imminent.

The Black Rock project has had to contend with the inner and outer marina schemes.

More than 2,000 homes are planned for both sites with a 40-storey and 28-storey block.

Councillor Keith Taylor, the convener of the Green Party, said he was disappointed by delays but that Black Rock was a good scheme.

He added that concerns remained about transport links to the venue.

He said:"It is a good scheme in isolation and for a lot of people the key is the amount of traffic that will be generated.

"How to get 10,000 people to the arena is the real problem."

According to skyscraper news, king alfred tower 1 will have 26 floors and be 85 metres tall and tower 2 will have 20 floors and be 68 metres tall.

Cheers. So they'll be about the same heght as Sussex House (is that it's name?) and Chartwell court respectively.

Brighton and Hove certainly is a model for bus transport imo. It comes about from the metro concept - most people in the city centre don't need a bus timetable, it's just turn up, wait for 5 minutes, and go. Obviously towards the end of routes the frequency can get more sporadic as the route divides into various terminii. Also the one-ticket-all-day-travel concept works a treat.

Personally I don't see the monorail. It would be a great piece of transport, but I'm going to have to go nimby on this one and say it would look bad. It would divide people who are travelling from the street aswell, whereas by bus you really feel the buzz of the city. I'm not feeling the monorail, and I'm not sure we need it - especially if the uber-bus routes are brought in.

Yeah I guess as our central area is so densley populated it makes much more sense to use public transport which is generally quicker and cheaper than driving around the city with all the hassles of trying to find a parking space etc.

I think I would agree with you on the monorail idea if the tracks were raised high up above street level, it would be a bit of an eyesore along the seafront, however I think the plan for the Brighton monorail is slightly different in that the tracks are not raised like a traditional monorail system, I read somewhere that it would run the length of the seafront at ground level, how they could implement such a scheme is beyond me though, there doesn't appear to be the required space.

I guess we'll just have to wait to see the plans in detail before we can decide whether it would be a welcome addition to our seafront or not.

Cheers. So they'll be about the same heght as Sussex House (is that it's name?) and Chartwell court respectively.

Yep the taller one will be around the same as Sussex heights, although Sussex heights may appear taller as it's built on top of another building (which is around 20 metres tall), so from ground level to the top of Sussex heights it's around 100 metres tall :)

http://www.aerialphotographyforyou.co.uk/search/d/67-4/SUSSEX_HEIGHTS.jpg


Looks at these bad boys towering over our seafront -
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/131/340932646_9bfa8c6465.jpg?v=0

they is bad & thats why its soo much nicer, if u like the beach, to be living in hove actually...ites

Aha!!! I thought I was just going a little mad because Sussex heights IMO was way more than 80metres, you've just made me quite excited!!! Also, chartwell court, is that measured from ground or from the top floor of the car park? To me chartwell court is a multi-use tower, one use being that of a multi-storey car park.

How are the Brighton Arena plans going?

How are the Brighton Arena plans going?

The project has been delayed slightly due to 2 other major projects going on around the arena site, the planning application is expected to be submitted within a couple of months.

By the way the Explore living plans for the marina were submitted to the council a few days ago, there have also been a few changes, the most notable one is the design of the 28 storey marina point tower, which in my opinion looks even better than it did before, there was a new render in the argus over the weekend but I haven't got the paper any more so I can't scan it in!

Just checked the explore living website and it is on there :) :

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1035/1393130519_74080caed8_o.jpg

^^ That does look better doesn't it! It's not my kind of style though, but I won't say no. :cheers:

I prefer the original.

We kinda knew this already but I thought I'd post this anyway.

Delay to Brighton Eye project
By Katya Mira

Work to construct a landmark seafront tower has been delayed by four months.

Construction on the i360, dubbed the Brighton Eye, was originally due to start on July 23 and be completed in 2009.

The 172m-high needle tower with an ascending and descending circular viewing platform will be built at the foot of the wrecked West Pier.

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It is now anticipated that work will not get underway until the end of October.

Geoff Lockwood, from the West Pier Trust, said the delay had been caused by legal loopholes.

He said they had not anticipated that a process where a 1930s lease agreement which needed to be surrendered or declared void through official channels would be as complicated as it proved to be.

Mr Lockwood said: "We are confident that the project will commence this year despite the delays. All parties are fully committed to going ahead with the work.

"None of it is weather dependent and it will not matter that the pier will be taken apart in October rather than the summer."

The needle tower will be built off-site but the first stage of work will involve parts of the charred remains of the pier being dismantled so it can be constructed.

Plans from London Eye architects Marks Barfield include restoring some of these original parts and including them as part of the final development.

It will be Britain's highest observation tower providing panoramic views across the Channel, along the South Coast and over the South Downs.

The pod, which will be able to hold 125 people, will be more than nine times the size of a London Eye capsule.

The scheme was given the go-ahead by planners last year after the Noble Organisation, owner of the Palace Pier, dropped its objections. The firm had attempted to block any redevelopment at the site.

The trust said it hoped the creation of i360 would eventually lead to a new pier being built.

Councillor Garry Peltzer Dunn, chairman of Brighton and Hove City Council's major projects sub-committee, said: "There is no significant delay in the development of the i360 project.

"The council, the developers and the West Pier Trust are working together to make all the necessary arrangements and agreements that are essential before a development of this scale in such a prominent location can properly start on site.

"Once the agreements are in hand the development can proceed and will, I am sure, provide an iconic landmark which will enhance Brighton and Hove's position as a premier international tourist destination."

Do you you think the Brighton Eye will attract more tourists to the city? Tell us below.

Cheers, just firms up what we kind of understood to be the case. I didn't know Noble actually dropped their objection.

More news regarding the shoreham harbour regeneration plans

Shoreham Port scheme to create jobs
By Lawrence Marzouk

A bid to transform an ageing Sussex port would create up to 10,000 homes and 8,000 full-time jobs in one of Britain's most ambitious regeneration projects.

The massive building scheme centred on Shoreham Port will also take in Shoreham town centre, Southwick, Fishersgate and south Portslade.

The Argus revealed earlier this year that 6,000 flats and houses had been earmarked for the port in the South East's second biggest brownfield redevelopment.

It has now emerged that another 4,000 could be built in an area stretching from Shoreham to Portslade stations.

In total, 6,900 homes are planned for Brighton and Hove and 3,100 for Adur.

Some 30 hectares, or 46 football pitches, will be needed to relocate the port activities, which will either come from land reclaimed from the sea or transferring industry to Newhaven.

Every option includes an improved public beach and an extra five hectares for housing. The most ambitious proposal involves the creation of a whole new outer harbour area for the port.

Brighton and Hove City Council will discuss the proposals on Thursday and looks likely to ask for an action plan and for more work to be carried out on relocating port activity to Newhaven.

It is hoped that spare capacity at Newhaven could release land in Shoreham.

Councillor Brian Oxley, leader of the city council, said: "The key thing is to take people with us and we need to have a strong consultation and discussion with people about the project.

"It is a long-term project and it will affect some areas for some time but the prize is more homes and more jobs and a real regeneration." The scheme relies on a new north-south road link, currently a bottleneck, the bus-based Rapid Transport Scheme being extended to Shoreham, and improved train stations.

Consultants employed by the South East England Development Agency (Seeda) predict these measures, combined with new foot and cycle paths, will lead to only half of trips from the development involving cars.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, leader of the Labour group, said she will ask for a guarantee that it is a carbon neutral project.

"We feel this commitment needs to be made up front and incorporated into the planning of the scheme from the start.

"The project will regenerate an area and at the same time will improve links between the port area and city centre.

"But if we are going to increase density, green spaces must be protected." With plans for offices, shops, leisure and homes, the scheme is being dubbed an "urban extension".

Labour party members had hoped the council could apply for Government funding under Gordon Brown's new eco towns programme, but this now looks impossible as the closing date for bids is December.

The plans, drawn up by Seeda and Shoreham Port Authority, are the latest in a series for the site. Shoreham Port Authority and Newhaven Port and Properties were unavailable for comment.

Councillor Keith Taylor of the Green Party called for "adequate protection against sealevel rises" and large investment in public transport.

A couple more pics from down at Black Rock. They don't appear to show much change from Elfabynos pics last month.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1213/1436203791_4bef722935_b.jpg

I was wondering what all the white containers are for? My best guess was somewhere to store the Nimbys:)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1368/1436206247_fb5162fe59_b.jpg

Cheers for those Mark, I wonder what will happen when the arena begins construction?
I hope they wont have to wait until the brunswick scheme is finished first, I guess they could move everything they need onto the big platform they are building over the beach, which would free up the black rock site.

I officially live in hove now ! :)

I like the pic with all the construction vehicles, looks like Bob the Builder's gang are about to start work

I officially live in hove now ! :)

Yay! Welcome to the Hove side.

I'm dissapointed, I was quite excited when I took those pics. Then forgot about it because my camera got pinched and got a bit miserable about it, so haven't been back. But nothings happening. So when does filming start then? (booooob the builder....)

Hello Brightonboi, hope your new place is cool. I'm still hanging on to the Brighton side (just). Moving in April but we don't know where to go. We want a little garden and less seagulls and binmen.

I'm also a little dissapointed I thought we'd be seeing some proper action by now but in true Brighton style they seem to be chilling out and taking their time.

It is all a bit slow, but I get the feeling that once one project kicks off the others won't be far behind.

The calm before the storm.

I saw a man on the I360 site with a yellow jacket while driving past the other day, Maybe a builder ?

Lets hope so Brightonboi, meanwhile here's another development by Karis (of king alfred fame) that I wasn't aware of, the old lloyds tsb offices (moore house) and a couple of other buildings on black lion street in the lanes are being redeveloped/refurbished and will house restaurants and bars with a jamie oliver Italian restaurant opening in the development next summer.

Jamie plans Italian job with pukka pasta cafes
By Ruth Lumley

TV chef Jamie Oliver is launching a chain of bargain Italian eateries with a "pukka" pasta restaurant in Brighton.

The diner, due to open next year, will offer dishes from £5 to £8.

Jamie, 32 - who has pumped £500,000 into the £7.5million venture - said: "It has always been a desire of mine to really tackle the issue of the quality of high street dining."

Jamie's Italian will open in Black Lion Street next July in an old office block which was occupied by Lloyd's TSB up until September.

The restaurant will be the centrepiece of a huge redevelopment project which aims to restore the down-at-heel thoroughfare to its 18th Century heyday as one of Brighton's most fashionable streets.

Jamie said: "There are some little places, privately owned by dedicated people, who are doing a good job but they are few and far between and I don't think many of the chains really give consistent quality at a decent price. We aim to change all that.

"When people eat at a Jamie's Italian, I want them to really get into the food, maybe try something they wouldn't normally try, but always be safe in the knowledge that they're eating good stuff, prepared with love.

"My mentor, Gennaro Contaldo, has been helping with the menu and the staff training and so it'll all be completely authentic, rustic Italian."

The plans by Karis Developments include the redevelopment of Moore House, transforming the front if the building and the Sixties office block, and the restoration of 8 Black Lion Street, one of the few remaining Old Town buildings.

The scheme will create more than 24,000sq ft of contemporary office space over four floors, each floor with its own roof terrace and secure basement parking for 31 cars.

Pedestrian access and safety will be improved and public artwork is planned to enhance the environment.

Brian Oxley, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "It is a great tribute to the vibrancy of the city that someone like Jamie Oliver feels that he wants to open up a restaurant here.

"I am sure people will be very keen and interested to visit it and sample the delights on offer.

"It will be good for the economy and it puts Brighton and Hove on the map. It shows he has a lot of confidence in the city going forwards to invest in it and to put his name to it.

"Something like that is not a minor commitment. We look forward to welcoming him."

Josh Argiros, Karis Developments managing director said: "We are delighted to confirm that Jamie Oliver will be opening a Jamie's Italian in Black Lion Street.

"This is a real coup for Brighton. Jamie's relaxed style and fabulous food is the perfect match for the city and will undoubtedly boost our reputation as one of the best places in the UK to eat."

Two years ago Mr Oliver hit the headlines after he badgered the government to improve the quality of school dinners.

His lastest venture will provide fast, urban casual dining, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

Pasta dishes will start at £5 and will be made in the restaurant with high quality ingredients. Bread will be baked daily by artisan bakers and all the chicken will be free-range.

This is the first time the chef will have owned a restaurant of his own. He does not own the restaurant chain Fifteen which he founded in 2002.

It is owned by the Fifteen Foundation charity, he is a trustee and remains actively involved in guiding the restaurants and the young people as well as donating funds, most recently from his book, Cook with Jamie.

Jamie's Italian will work in partnership with Fifteen but while Fifteen has the training of disadvantaged young people and the highest quality food at its central core, Jamie's Italian has a different ambition - to help more people to eat out better.

http://www.shw.co.uk/property/uploads/pictures/P20161101.JPG

Sweet ! I will definitaly be eating there when it opens, We need some good Italians and i bet the service will be ace!

I love Jamie Oliver. Went to FatLeo's on sunday in the Lanes, really good italian food for almost nothin. Had starter, pizza and pudding for less than a tenner!

Never been there before whats the service like?

Fat Leo's is a part of the Donatello's family of restaurants which includes Pinnochio's on New road as well as Donatello's on Market street, I have to say all three are excellent Italian restaurants, the service is always good and the food is always top notch, they are all good value for money too, for two courses it's only 6.95 but I think it's slightly cheaper in Fat Leo's as the menu isn't quite as varied as the other two restaurants.

The Brasserie on St James' street is another favourite Italian of mine, slightly more expensive than the ones above but the food is just superb!

For gods sake will this ever end?
THE KING ALFRED HAS BEEN GIVEN THE GO AHEAD, deal with it!
I hope the high court see no reason for this to go to a judicial review, surely this is just a last ditch attempt to try and stop the scheme.

New bid to stop King Alfred development
By Lawrence Marzouk

The controversial King Alfred redevelopment faces another challenge after one of the city's most respected conservation groups launched a legal bid to block it.

Lawyers working on behalf of The Regency Society have contacted Brighton and Hove City Council in the first stage of a judicial review which could delay or stop the £290 million Hove project.

The news has emerged as The Argus can reveal internal council emails in which consultants warned that granting planning approval for the seafront scheme would allow new developments to overshadow existing homes with impunity.

The High Court challenge will attempt to prove that proper procedures were not followed when planning permission was granted on the casting vote of the chairman of the planning committee on March 23.

The Regency Society declined to comment yesterday but the group is known to hold a series of revealing reports regarding the environmental impact of the development.

The Argus has obtained the same documents under the Freedom of Information Act which show that respected consultants working on behalf of the council warned against giving planning permission.

In an email reporting his initial comments, Dr Paul Littlefair of consultants BRE said: "The daylight impact is really bad.

"In fact, in terms of the number of properties affected and the extent of loss of light to some of them, it's the worst I've ever seen in an Environment Impact Assessment.

"The danger is if you give permission for this, you create a precedent that nullifies any future day lighting constraint you may want to impose on other developments in Brighton.

"It's difficult to imagine any future proposals for any site having a worse impact on more dwelling than this one does."

Concern about the "difficult precedent" was made again in a report to planners at the end of January.

But the warning is one of the only points that does not make it into the final copy of Dr Littlefair's report.

A council spokesman said: "These reports go through various iterations before becoming final.

"The main reason that sentence doesn't appear is because planners strongly disagreed that it would set a precedent and didn't want members misled.

"In any case the final report was very clear on the detrimental lighting effects, it was discussed at length and members were free to turn down the application on that basis if they wanted to."

The Frank Gehry development will replace the eyesore leisure centre on the seafront.

It will feature 751 homes in 11 buildings, including two towers of up to 98 metres and there will be a £49 million sports centre, small shops, a police office, a GP surgery, cafes, restaurants and public spaces.

A spokesman for the council said that the Regency Society still needed to persuade the High Court that there were grounds for a judicial review.

He said: "That cannot be seen as a foregone conclusion, so it may go no further.

"The council has taken the highest level legal advice from QCs since the project's inception and is confident planning permission is legally watertight.

"As such we will be vigorously contesting any legal challenges related to the King Alfred and seeking to protect council taxpayers from having to foot the bill for any legal proceedings."

It is believed that the Regency Society could face bills of up to £30,000 in the fight.

This is good news for the future prosperity of our city -

Brighton - the UK's entrepreneurial hotspot
More people in Brighton than anywhere else in the UK are planning to set up their own business, new research reveals.

According to a poll commissioned by Orange Business Services, the seaside city is home to the most enterprise spirit with 12% of the local population intending to start a company. The figure compared to a national average of 8%.

Brighton beat London, Edinburgh and Birmingham to the top spot with Glasgow, Norwich, Cardiff and Plymouth the cities where people have least considered going it alone in business.


The UK's entrepreneurial hotspots


1. Brighton

2. London

3. Edinburgh

4. Birmingham

5. Newcastle

6. Bristol

7. Sheffield

8. Leeds

9. Liverpool

10. Southampton

11. Nottingham

12. Manchester

13. Plymouth

14. Cardiff

15. Norwich

On a national basis, the poll revealed that although 50% of adults had mulled over entrepreneurship, one in two were too scared of failure to do anything about it.

The impact on their love life was of concern to over a third of aspiring entrepreneurs, while 32% were worried that setting up on their own will make them more aggressive or merciless.

Lack of confidence in their own abilities were more of an issue for women than men - 17% and 11% respectively - while more males feared they would become more agressive.

In addition, almost half of 25-34 year olds had a fear of failure compared to only 37% of over 55 year olds.

Commenting on the results, Tim Campbell, winner of first series of The Apprentice television series, said: "That half of British people consider setting up their own business is great news for the UK economy. While it's clear that the main barriers holding people back are emotional, as a nation we have the drive and passion.

"If the business community can share a few hints and tips to encourage budding entrepreneurs, people's fears will be overcome and more dreams will become reality."

For gods sake will this ever end?
THE KING ALFRED HAS BEEN GIVEN THE GO AHEAD, deal with it!
I hope the high court see no reason for this to go to a judicial review, surely this is just a last ditch attempt to try and stop the scheme.

A quick look on a Govenrment website regarding judicial reviews indicates that ordinarily a judicial review must be applied for within three months of the decision they are disputing (although exceptions can be made). I think they may be too late, but we shall see! It all seems a bit desperate to me.

From http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/cms/1220.htm

"When should I lodge my application for permission to apply for judicial review?

5.1 The claim form must be filed promptly and in any event not later than three months after the grounds upon which the claim is based first arose (CPR Part 54.5).

5.2 The court has the power to extend the period for the lodging of an application for judicial review but will only do so where it is satisfied there are very good reasons for doing so."

No thoughts on this bit though, Brighton Boy?

The Argus has obtained the same documents under the Freedom of Information Act which show that respected consultants working on behalf of the council warned against giving planning permission.

In an email reporting his initial comments, Dr Paul Littlefair of consultants BRE said: "The daylight impact is really bad.

"In fact, in terms of the number of properties affected and the extent of loss of light to some of them, it's the worst I've ever seen in an Environment Impact Assessment.

"The danger is if you give permission for this, you create a precedent that nullifies any future day lighting constraint you may want to impose on other developments in Brighton.

"It's difficult to imagine any future proposals for any site having a worse impact on more dwelling than this one does."

The thing is though a judicial review will only stop this development from going ahead if the council is found to have acted unlawfully, in which I seriously doubt they have.

The argument about overshaddowing should be irrelevant now, as the scheme has the go ahead, my understanding is that it is the actual planning process which is being scrutinised, not the project itself.

The thing is though a judicial review will only stop this development from going ahead if the council is found to have acted unlawfully, in which I seriously doubt they have.

The argument about overshaddowing should be irrelevant now, as the scheme has the go ahead, my understanding is that it is the actual planning process which is being scrutinised, not the project itself.

You don't think there's anything to worry about in an independent assessment carried out on behalf of the council calling the overshadowing effects "the worst I've ever seen"?

"In any case the final report was very clear on the detrimental lighting effects, it was discussed at length and members were free to turn down the application on that basis if they wanted to."

The majority (albeit slim) of the committee members still chose to approve the application after being shown detailed images of the overshaddowing effect that the project will cause.

I do not see a problem with the way in which the decision was made.

The majority (albeit slim) of the committee members still chose to approve the application after being shown detailed images of the overshaddowing effect that the project will cause.

I do not see a problem with the way in which the decision was made.

Quelle surprise!

Quelle surprise!


:baeh3:

Never been there before whats the service like?

Ok. The guy who obviously ran it that night agreed to include something on the menu that wouldn't normally be part of the deal. Then the waitress came over to take the order and basically disagreed and argued with us. Never mind she was fit and we ordered it anyway and when the bill came it was as the first guy said. So, ok, if a little entertaining and on the slow side.

When are they going to finish the roadworks on north street!!!
I can't count the number of times I've forgotton about the temporary one way system and nearly been hit by a bus speeding up towards the clock tower whilst trying to cross West street. :rant:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2145/1543893201_8f8c405bd9_o.jpg

Whilst I'm on the subject of west street I have to admit that the oceana night club refurbishment has actually made the kingswest building look a little more modern and appealing, the whole of the west street and kings road frontage now has windows at ground level which improves the streetscape at the bottom of the street, the bright neon lights at the top of the building look quite funky at night too, if a little tacky.

Hi guys, is there any news on the new arena and when Brighton's ice hockey team will make a return?!

Things are progressing quite slowly with the new arena, last we heard there was a delay caused by all the other developments at the marina going on at the same time, a planning application is expected sometime before the end of the year.

If anyone's interested there's a documentary on the grand hotel bombing at 23:05 on ITV tonight.

Good to see some news on the former circus street market development, construction is due to start mid 2009.

http://static.flickr.com/50/126322658_c1643fa3e7.jpg?v=0

Brighton market to become arts centre
By Katya Mira

A derelict market could be opened up to Brighton and Hove's artistic community while planners get ready to turn it into one of the most sustainable developments in the country.

Proposals to knock down the old fruit and vegetable market in Circus Street, Brighton, and transform it into a £100 million complex which would revitalise the area have been in the pipeline for more than a year.

It is thought construction will begin midway through 2009 but rather than let the valuable space stand empty until then the Cathedral Group, which is behind the development, wants to start "waking up" the area.

Over the next couple of months bosses plan to do up the venue by securing the roof and installing electricity so that by 2008 it can be used by arts or community groups.

An application to temporarily convert it has been submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council after consultation with various bodies such as the Brighton Festival, the Photo Biennial Festival and Cine City, who all said a space that size could be invaluable.

Creative director Martyn Evans said it could be used for all kinds of things such as an art gallery, dance studio or woodwork workshop.

There could even be room for a cafe, five-a-side pitch or a skateboarding venue if people came forward with plans to set them up.

He said: "It can just sit there looking horrible and deserted or we can do something to start waking the area up a little and make that part of the city into something exciting.

"It seems important to do something as soon as possible. I have taken people down and their eyes have popped out on stalks.

"We are putting together a programme and we are open to suggestions for any cultural or community use. There are obviously things we won't be able to do - a thrash concert might upset the neighbours for example.

"But space that large is hard to come by and we want to be as flexible as we can."

The market was built in 1938 and was once a thriving city hub. The site has been left derelict since the market was moved to Hollingbury two years ago and planners now hope to make the 1.8 acre building the centre of community life again.

The carbon neutral scheme, dubbed Grow Brighton, will bring together offices, a Brighton University library, a home for South East Dance, a public events square, shops, restaurants, cafes and a creative industries market.

There will also be 180 eco-homes which encourage residents to be greener by setting up recycling groups, putting a bus stop outside the development and possibly giving away a bike away with the sale of each flat.

It is claimed the regeneration of a rundown part of the city will create up to 1,400 jobs and bring in half a billion pounds in investment in the next ten years.

A community wind turbine, roofs covered in plants, rain water collection and irrigation and a solar power plant will form a major part of the scheme.

That's excellent news, and I'm overjoyed that the developers are taking such a progressive step in doing it up for arts fayre in the interim. This is what I love about this city - new little dens of creativity are allowed to flourish and then they move on.

Took some pics around the city centre today, here's a link to the thread in the skylines and photography section - http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=267079&page=2

Great pics Brighton boy you go around!

When i was at the seafront last month, I think in hove, Close to brighton tho, There was this big plot of emptyland, Right on the seafront road, You no what will be built there?

Also, you see any changes at the I360?

Not sure which bit of land you're on about Brightonboi, maybe it was something to do with the replacement of the water pipes that is taking place across central Brighton & Hove at the moment.

Regarding the i360 - I think they have started removing some of the items beneath the west pier entrace as I saw a gate open yesterday that is usually locked up, so fingers crossed construction will begin very shortly.

I hope so its really exciting!

Well the bit of land is before the king alfred, And its a big old plot it also has a street next to it, You could build a hotel there or something! If im there again il take a few snaps for ya !

Ah I think I know the one you mean, is it where the sackville hotel once stood?

The building collapsed a couple of years ago whilst undergoing refurbishment, and had to be knocked down as it was beyond repair, a beautiful building it was too - a sad loss.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1377/820536846_199971df16.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/68/174002734_5273d42c30.jpg?v=0

Now all that remains -
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1183/962578891_fad2ffa235.jpg?v=0


I'd imagine there will soon be plans to develop the site into a hotel or apartment building.

Yea thats it, A blodey shame that buildings gone:( Hopefully something really good will be built on site, Something tall too :P

Any news on the observation tower? :)

I wondered what happened to that building. What kind of renovation were they doing?

It was undergoing a 5 million pound refurbishment to become a 5 star hotel, I think I actually stayed in that hotel for one night when I was a kid as well, sad to see the building gone and the site remaining empty.

Any news on the observation tower? :)

Work is starting shortly on this project :)

Apparently the regency society have pulled the plug on their judicial review plans for the king alfred project.
Don't quote me on that though I'm not 100% sure, just a rumour I have heard today.

I emailed Andrew Lay who is the project director for the brunswick marina scheme the other day to ask for more information as to what is going on at present, this was his reply:

Enabling works have commenced with site set up on the Black Rock Site and a new access road. Further information and programme of works will be available in the New Year. Thank you for your interest.

Nothing we didn't know already but at least it's good to know that there isn't anything holding it up.

Will be a while till we have cores then. I360 was meant to start this month, There is 5 days of the month left..............

Also, The i360 is above the 150m mark, Which makes it a skyscraper by american standerds, As its a observation tower tho, Will it be classed as a skyscraper ? Wouldent it make it the tallest building U/C outside london, If work starts before the 170 odd metre tower in leeds called la lumeire ??.

I don't think it could be classed as a skyscraper as it is purely an observation tower, but I guess it would still be the tallest structure U/C in the UK outside London.
The west pier trust site still says contruction will begin this Autumn so it could be anytime up until late November.

Im so excited about it lol. Ive been wondering if i will be able to see it from were i live, I have a great view of brighton and hove, I live up in hangleton, Should be able too, i duno how there gona put it up either, I guess build the main pole tower thing, Then build the pod around it ? And keep it docked there?

So exciting..... lol. Its 10meters shorter then the ghurkin.....

I wandered down to the West Pier about a week ago and got very excited as I walked down Regency Square as there was a large digger at the bottom of the square. Unfortunately it turned out they were just digging up the road :(
Having said that there is a lot of scaffold now up over the arches next to the pier. I think I read somewhere that they were planning to convert the arches into more retail units, it might be a good sign that work is imminent.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2105/1770069951_31b9740810_b.jpg

That happened to me last weekend, I was walking down Preston street and thought that work was finally underway on i360, only to find out that they were just digging up the road to replace the water pipes, which they seem to be doing everywhere in B&H at the moment!

I have two questions the first is has the Brighton marina development been cancelled, sorry it is a dum question but I have not been following this.

And secondley what is the London road regeneration masterplan all about, sounds interesting.

I have two questions the first is has the Brighton marina development been cancelled, sorry it is a dum question but I have not been following this.

And secondley what is the London road regeneration masterplan all about, sounds interesting.

No the Brunswick Brighton marina scheme (roaring forties tower) is very much alive and construction is about to start, there is also a second marina scheme by explore living which covers a much larger area and will also include some new tall buildings (planning application has been submitted).

The London road masterplan covers the northern part of the city centre which is currently quite run down and needs huge amounts of investment, the idea is to create a commercial zone around the new england quarter with large new office and residential buildings, also the London road corridor itself will recieve a facelift and probably some new buildings, as was stated in an earlier post though all these plans are at a very early stage so we will have to wait a while until we start seeing the plans in detail with some renders etc

Will be a while till we have cores then. I360 was meant to start this month, There is 5 days of the month left..............

Also, The i360 is above the 150m mark, Which makes it a skyscraper by american standerds, As its a observation tower tho, Will it be classed as a skyscraper ? Wouldent it make it the tallest building U/C outside london, If work starts before the 170 odd metre tower in leeds called la lumeire ??.

Lumiere in Leeds has started construction with 2 towers together at 171m and 112m. Preparatory works began 2 months ago, and Carillion will be on site proper in the next couple of weeks.

Still, it will be great to see a number of 150+ tall buildings outside London under construction in 2008

A new press release from marks barfield regarding the i360, apparently site investigations have gone well and work is now due to start early next year.

Read the press release here:
http://www.westpier.co.uk/pdfs/i360_press_release_oct07.pdf

Yay!!! Well it's another bloody delay (to our expectations that is) but it's great to have a firmer understanding of actually what's going on, as in now we have an idea of what has been delaying it so far - obtaining permission from southern water for diversion works. Looking forward to 2008, it's going to be a great year for te whole country.

Yay!!! Well it's another bloody delay (to our expectations that is) but it's great to have a firmer understanding of actually what's going on, as in now we have an idea of what has been delaying it so far - obtaining permission from southern water for diversion works. Looking forward to 2008, it's going to be a great year for te whole country.

Indeed.

The King Alfred Leisure Centre website has been updated with the following
STILL OPEN Brighton & Hove City Council's largest indoor sports centre.
Redevelopment will not take place until after August 2008.


It was saying April 2008 until last week so looks like a delay on this one too.

Yeah, well I fully expected the king alfred to be delayed a little anyway, I'm sure we can wait a few more months for it, after all we have been waiting almost 7 years since plans were first announced.

Bit dissapointed about the delay to the i360 but to be honest most major schemes are hit by delays one way or another so all in all I'm pleased with progress so far, 2008 will be a big year for Brighton by the looks of things - King alfred, i360, and the marina project will be properly underway and we should be seeing detailed plans for the new brighton centre/churchill square re-development, also the second marina scheme could begin construction assuming that the planning application is approved.

Along with all that the Carling academy will be opening in 2008, the international arena plans will be submitted and work hopefully starting, the oneplanet living scheme will begin construction at the NEQ, along with a new application made for block J at the NEQ, and maybe if we're lucky plans for the London road area will be progressing with new buildings proposed etc. :)

Oh and Jubilee square will finally be complete with the new myhotel and the remainder of the units along jubilee street (which are now all under offer bar one) will be filled with more new restaurants and bars.

Hey, are they gona start with demolition/sewer work on the i360 site now then, So by 2008 they will be ready to start? because id be surprised if the old ticket box things were still there when they wanted to start if they could be gone now.

Hey, are they gona start with demolition/sewer work on the i360 site now then, So by 2008 they will be ready to start? because id be surprised if the old ticket box things were still there when they wanted to start if they could be gone now.

Yeah they said that foundation works will start in the new year, actual construction of the tower itself begins in spring.

Bit dissapointed about the delay to the i360 but to be honest most major schemes are hit by delays one way or another so all in all I'm pleased with progress so far, 2008 will be a big year for Brighton by the looks of things - King alfred, i360, and the marina project will be properly underway and we should be seeing detailed plans for the new brighton centre/churchill square re-development, also the second marina scheme could begin construction assuming that the planning application is approved.

Don't forget Falmer too! :)

The Contract Journal has news on Falmer:

http://www.contractjournal.com/Articles/2007/11/07/56746/brighton-fc-seeks-bids-for-new-stadium.html

well i'm off to bangkok for 2 weeks so if there's any updates for brighton please post them here. One update for you today, the 10 storey 147 bedroom ibis hotel on queens road has been given the green light today so expect activity on that site soon.

Wickid! Have fun in bangkok mate. Maybe there will be some good news when you return!

I'm slightly dissapointed - I thought there was an update! Never mind, have a great time Brighton Boy.

Brighton boy swans off to some exotic place and expects us to take over all his good work and find out what (or what isn't) going on in the city! Have a fantastic time.

Oh well here's a story from Brighton Business about Preston Barracks
Preston Barracks redevelopment – if we build it will they come?
The preferred developer for the 2.28 hectare site off the Lewes Rd has presented a development plan that is little changed from the controversial proposals that they were asked to review six months ago. Why is the site proving so difficult?
The former Ministry of Defence site was purchased in 2002 and Hyde Group was appointed as the preferred developer in 2004.

The site itself, being just off the Lewes Road opposite the University of Brighton’s Mithras House, is some way from the city center and not in a location that lends itself easily to high value development.

The local authority, keen to exploit the maximum potential from one of its few remaining brownfield sites produced a development brief that included high spec office accommodation, residential accommodation, a possible innovation centre and high quality public realm. The brief also stipulated integration of the site with the adjoining Saunders Park View community.

The developer has produced a plan which includes 12,000m2 of high quality office space (creating in excess of 650 jobs), 400 new homes (40% affordable) and student accommodation, a public square with underground car parking for 564 cars and a major new food outlet with a commitment to EcoHomes and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ ratings

The main problems with the proposals are that Preston Barracks is an “unproven” location for high tech offices and there is a view that the supermarket element may exacerbate air pollution and traffic congestion problems. The site was not identified in the GVA Grimley Retail Study and there are concerns about the possible effect of another supermarket in an edge of town location (Sainsbury’s have a major outlet at the Vogue Gyratory) upon the wider Lewes Road.

The Councils planning department have reservations about the inclusion of the retail food outlet but the developers need the facility to make the development costs realistic and they are sure they can present a convincing case.

The very slightly revised plans will be considered by the Council's Policy & Resources Committee on 27th novemebr. At this stage Brighton & Hove City Council is only required to give landlord’s consent to proceed to a planning application and there is no guarantee that it will be granted. Given that it will cost millions of pounds to deliver the planning application the developers would not proceed if they were not confident. The recent conclusions of the Competition Commission into supermarkets provision (see earlier story in Knowledgebase) in the UK may well be working in their favour

Some more news on the Royal Alex site. The revised plans look better but I'd personally still prefer to see the existing building kept.

New plans for Brighton's Royal Alex site still meet with opposition
Developers Taylor Wimpey withdrew their original planning application on November but their revised scheme has met with the same opposition from residents associations.

Taylor Wimpey insist that the existing building cannot be saved and converted and want to demolish it to make way for a new build of over 150 flats, a GP surgery & pharmacy and a public open park.

English Heritage has refused to list the existing building on the grounds that numerous additions over the years have robbed it of any significant architectural merit and it would appear that the driver behind the campaign to save it is sentiment for a familiar landmark.
Areial view of the existing site

The development will include 40% affordable homes and an energy efficient biomass heating system that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 25%, which is more than twice the target demanded by the local authority

http://www.brightonbusiness.co.uk/htm/ni20071201.837274.htm

A planning application for major development at Brighton Marina for the Inner Harbour site has been submitted (ref: BH2007/03454) by X-Leisure and Explore Living. Here is a link to the Brighton Business pages which has more news about it.
http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1176195

The link includes a render I've not seen before of both the Roaring Forties and the Explore living project completed. I think the finished project looks great!

Looks fab, What are they actually doing on the roaring forties site? It was meant to be U/C ages ago!

I think Brighton Boy mentioned work was starting properly in the New Year. I'm down there tomorrow so I'll have a peek over the wall see if there has been any progress!

hey guys i'm back but as i've just moved into a new flat i've got to wait for my broadband connection to be sorted out and then i'll be back properly. Thanks for the updates

I can't believe ther's still nothing happening at i360 or the Marina :( Still, here's to 2008 :cheers:

Yea, I get such a good view of the brighton skyline, I live in hangleton, I should be able to see the marina towers and hopefully the I360 when there built.

Welcome back Brighton Boy. Don't think you missed much while you were gone!

Thanks Mark, you're right nothing much has happened news wise for Brighton of late, one thing I have noticed is that the onebrighton scheme has finally started construction, I saw a big crane towering over the site at the weekend.

the official website (which includes a flythrough video): www.onebrighton.co.uk

Also the Jurys inn hotel is now open.

Cool, When will it be completed? and how many metres to the highest point do you think about 35?

Cool, When will it be completed? and how many metres to the highest point do you think about 35?

I think it is scheduled for completion early 2010, not sure about the exact height but the tallest building is 10 storeys with the bulk of the main development around 7 storeys, don't forget we are still awaiting a revised plan for the beetham scheme at block J at the NEQ (next to the one brighton development site) and will include something fairly tall, they have taken way too long to get back with a different scheme, fingers crossed we don't have to wait too much longer.

Another render of the Brighton marina developments.

http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/imageLibrary/brighton_marina_development_small.jpg

I was meeting someone at the Station this afternoon so I took the opportunity to take a few pics of the New England development.

This is the OneBrighton site, I think this was the big crane you spotted Brighton Boy
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2298/2131626714_9aebb60faa.jpg

I think this is the spot where the Beetham tower was planned.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2405/2130855275_08726f1580.jpg

The language school. Personally I think this is the best of the new buildings so far in the area
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2128/2130851773_7b5d6a3c98.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2214/2130852927_915880fd94.jpg

The new Jury's Inn.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2208/2131631244_e1ff10cb2a.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2255/2131625584_e8d52dc043.jpg

Not sure what this building is going to be but it is just up the slope from the OneBrighton scheme
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2204/2131628000_2017ffd285.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2191/2130845117_765a3dbe18.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2216/2131619966_1b756fc6a5.jpg

Cheers for the pics Mark, it's good to see the hotel now open, I've also noticed a new subway sandwich shop and a new cafe that are now open opposite the new sainsbury's store, hopefully once the one brighton and beetham scheme are complete (which will provide more retail and restaurant units at ground level) this new quarter of the city centre will come to life.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2216/2131619966_1b756fc6a5.jpg

whats this building called? i dont recognise it.

It's called "The Tower, City Point", it was built by Barratts.

http://www.barratthomes.co.uk/ViewDevelopment.aspx?d=94734a6b-83ce-4d9b-bb36-9defa424eab6#

Happy new year Brighton!

Hopefully foundation works should begin on the I360 site soon, this is gona be a really exciting year for Brighton, Does anybody know what the schedule for the marina is?

Happy new year to everyone, this is my new name now by the way (RSWB), I was previously Brighton boy :)

Yeah hopefully this year things will finally start to kick off, the marina (brunswick scheme) is due for completion around 2011 I think so surely we should be seeing some action soon!

Happy New Year guys? What does RSWB stand for? I thought you were a new forumer for a moment!

So what progress do you guys think will have been made by the close of 2008 on all the major projects (Marina, Black Rock, I360, King Alfred, Falmer and the Brighton Centre/Churchill Square)?

Happy New Year guys? What does RSWB stand for? I thought you were a new forumer for a moment!

So what progress do you guys think will have been made by the close of 2008 on all the major projects (Marina, Black Rock, I360, King Alfred, Falmer and the Brighton Centre/Churchill Square)?

The marina should have basements completed possibley a core? I360 should be rising, The KA under demolition and probally some work on falmer, I dont know how stadiums are built so i would not like to say.

Yeah I'd pretty much agree with that with the addition of the Brighton centre /Churchill square development submitted for planning - fingers crossed.

RSWB are my initials, nothing exciting but I wanted to look less tied towards just one city on these forums and couldn't think of anything better!

News in the Argus today on Falmer -

Albion's Falmer dream moves step closer
By Simon Barrett
Comment | Read Comments (15)
Three building firms have been selected to tender for the contracts to build Brighton and Hove Albion's new stadium at Falmer.

The £50 million project has moved a step closer after the club shortlisted three firms keen to start work on the 22,500 seat stadium.

Club bosses also say they will soon be in a position to approach banks to secure the funding needed before construction can start, on course to begin later this year.

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Albion chief executive Martin Perry said: "We have begun the process of selecting the contractor who will build the stadium.

"We advertised the opportunity in the construction press and as a result received a large number of expressions of interest from companies.

"We shortlisted firms based on their experience of stadium building and have now advised three companies that they have been selected to tender for the work."

Mr Perry also said the club's financial strategy remained on course.

He said: "Our financial advisors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, are happy with the structure and substance of our business case.

"It takes time to put the money place with a project like this, but we have begun talking to selected banks and are confident we will secure the required funding."

Meanwhile Albion confirmed that a fans' forum on Falmer is being planned, together with a one-off evening to show supporters what they can expect at the clubís new home when it opens its doors in 2010.

The event, which is expected to be held at Hove town hall over the coming weeks, will showcase the revised blueprints and graphics of the stadium as the original plans were drawn up some eight years ago.

After more than ten years without a permanent home, Albion were finally given the green light for the Falmer site by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears in July.

Albion hope to kick off the 2010/11 season at Falmer - some 13 years after the club's final game at the Goldstone Ground.

I hope your predictions all turn out to be right. Having said that there have been so many twists and turns in both the King Alfred and the Albion proposals that a negative part of me can't help but think that there will be some further twists that will delay these projects further.
Would be great to finally see some plans for the Kingswest/Brighton centre too!

I saw the first physical signs that preparation for the Marina development were finally underway yesterday. A new concrete bridge has been built over the pedestrian walkway in to the marina. The walkway is the one that runs from Black Rock down to the marina and comes out where they do the car washing. The bridge looks like it will enable all the construction vehicles to get from Black Rock along the eastern arm of the marina and onto the actual site. It also looks like some widening work has been taking place on the eastern arm to allow the vehicles to get through. There are loads more hoardings up now so it was difficult to get a good view.
The bad news (for those of us that like to be nosey!) is that I don't think it is now possible to access the eastern arm of the marina which is a shame as it would have been a great spot to take pictures.

Yeah I noticed this the other day, it looks like the project is finally getting underway. :)

The Economic partnership is backing the new marina plans:


Partnership backs marina plans
By Richard Gurner

Ambitious plans to develop Brighton Marina have been backed by businesses in the city.

Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership has formally given its support to the Marina Point tower, proposed by developer Explore Living.

The tower's "pack of cards" design forms the centre-piece of the £320 million redevelopment.

It will be one of five buildings providing 1,280 new flats - in addition to a separate £250 million scheme by Brunswick Developments.

In total, 700 jobs will be created and 2,000 homes built.

Tony Mernagh, the partnership's chief executive, said: "It will be very good for the economy of the city.

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The opportunity to do something with the marina has been missed so many times in the past with various proposals.

"If we were to build the marina again today we would not do it like it is.

"It has been an embarrassment and a completely underused resource in terms of housing and commercial property. We have an opportunity to achieve that with this scheme and together with the Brunswick scheme it will really put the marina on the map."

In its response to the submitted planning application, the partnership stated: "The continued development of the residential element of the marina will contribute towards the evolution of a vibrant local community with sufficient critical mass to sustain economic activity even in the months when visitor numbers are reduced.

"The proposed commercial element will go a long way towards making the marina a destination in its own right and developers are to be congratulated for their holistic view in terms of planning for the entire inner harbour area."

A decision by Brighton and Hove City Council on the scheme, which would include the relocation of the Asda supermarket, is expected next month.

If approval is given, the full redevelopment would not be completed before 2015.


The question is, will the new Conservative dominated council approve the plan?

Lets hope so, the marina needs it, I know the brunswick scheme is already under way but for the marina to reach it's full potential then this really does need to be built, it will greatly improve the environment within the marina for residents and visitors, and will transform the area from a tacky out of town retail park by the sea into a proper destination in the city to be proud of.

Let's hope so.

It will be interesting seeing how the Conservatives vote on this. I think a lot of people voted Tory in the last council elections in the mistaken belief that they would oppose many of the big developments on the cards, principally the King Alfred. With the King Alfred their increased prescence on the council came far too late to have any impact on the planning process. The marina may therefore be used by them as a way of demonstrating their anti "over-development" stance.

I personally find the area around Asda, the multistory car park and the Casino/Cinema area one of the most grim, depressing parts of Brighton. It would be almost impossible to do anything to make this area any worse than it currently is!

I saw the first physical signs that preparation for the Marina development were finally underway yesterday. A new concrete bridge has been built over the pedestrian walkway in to the marina. The walkway is the one that runs from Black Rock down to the marina and comes out where they do the car washing. The bridge looks like it will enable all the construction vehicles to get from Black Rock along the eastern arm of the marina and onto the actual site. It also looks like some widening work has been taking place on the eastern arm to allow the vehicles to get through. There are loads more hoardings up now so it was difficult to get a good view.
The bad news (for those of us that like to be nosey!) is that I don't think it is now possible to access the eastern arm of the marina which is a shame as it would have been a great spot to take pictures.

Great news! Got any pics of the bridge?

Sadly not, I didn't have my camera on me when I was down there. I'll try and take a trip down there in the next week unless someone else beats me to it.

Another development announced for Hove, the re-development of the sackville trading estate could bring this:

http://www.sackvilleplace.co.uk/

The plans include 100,000 sq feet of retail space with 40% allocated for a supermarket and the other 60% for 8-9 retail units.

There will also be offices and 177 apartments (40% affordable) with underground car parking.

I think this could be good for the area, although the retail element will have to be looked at closely, we don't want any large out of town style units being let out to high street fashion retailers, which would take away some trade from the city centre.
I'm guessing the supermarket could become a new Morrisons - seeing as they are the only supermarket brand not to have a presence in the city.

Thanks RSWB. I work near there and since the opening of the City Park offices it has been noticeable the lack of decent pubs/restaurants and shops in the area. I suspect that this development is partly in response to the opening of City Park with 3000 office workers on the doorstep looking for somewhere to spend their cash!

I love the pic on their site, especially of the porsche half sunk into the tarmac!

Plans for a total re-build of city college Brighton & Hove are becoming more ambitious it seems, no renders as of yet but it sounds good.

Plans to revamp city college radically redrawn
By Andy Chiles

Plans to revamp a city centre college have been radically redrawn and now include a shopping centre run by students.

An £80 million scheme to completely rebuild City College Brighton and Hove was originally unveiled last February.

It involved tearing down the eyesore Pelham Tower at the further education college's campus in Pelham Street near Brighton railway station.

A new version of the proposals has now emerged after they were taken back to the drawing board by the college's new principal Phil Frier, who joined in August.

The latest scheme, which has yet to be finalised, includes the shopping centre as well as a youth hostel, student accommodation, a doctors' surgery and blocks of private and social housing.

All would be built around landscaped open spaces intended to create an attractive public area linking North Laine with London Road and the redeveloped New England Quarter.

The project is now expected to cost more than £100 million and regenerate the area.

Mr Frier said: "I believe that the new Pelham Street Campus will inspire our local communities to engage in learning.

"It will provide buildings that are in the right place for our learners, with the right vocational facilities that are inclusive, efficient and sustainable.

"Being at the heart of a lively commercial area will emphasise for students the skills that are needed in the life of the city."

The plans will be unveiled to Brighton and Hove City Council's environment committee at a meeting at Hove Town Hall in Norton Road at 5pm tomorrow.

They form the centrepiece of proposals for a Knowledge Quarter at the northern edge of the city centre.

The draft plans propose to re-open the disused sculpted archway which was an entrance to the college from York Place, which it is hoped will bring more trade to the road.

At street level the college campus would have shops including a hair and beauty salon and a travel bureau as well as a restaurant, all run by students on related vocational courses.

The college would have provision for around 8,700 students and staff on 16,360 sq m of floorspace in four linked buildings up to eight storeys tall.

Mr Frier said: "The proposed new campus will have a range of levels and its highest point will be at least two storeys lower than the current Pelham Tower. It is envisaged that more than half of the accommodation will be on the third floor or below.

"It gives this part of North Laine a real focus and will provide not only an iconic centre of learning but also an open and attractive pedestrianised space.

"External recreation and leisure space will be used for street performance, exhibitions, and other public activities. As an innovative learning centre it should become a tourist attraction in its own right."

The project would be funded by the Government's Learning and Skills Council, which is paying for college renovations across the country.

Councillor Ian Davey, who represents the St Peter's and North Laine area, said: "The money that is being provided by the LSC brings a great opportunity to bring significant improvement to this area.

"If we were to lose Pelham Tower most people would be happy and what I have seen of the new plans is a definite improvement."

City College will submit a final bid for funding to the LSC in April. The revamped scheme also includes its campuses at the former Comart school in Wilson Avenue and in the new Brighton and Hove Albion stadium at Falmer.

The college said if the plans gained the necessary approvals they hoped to start work in summer 2009 on the new main buildings, which would go up on the existing car park.

Once that was completed in summer 2011 all existing buildings would be demolished and the rest of the building work would begin. A preliminary completion date has been set for 2013.

The college is planning a wide consultation with the community and relevant authorities.

Thats great my girlfreind goes to that collage! They really need to do something!

I'm looking at that tower out of my office window now. glad to see it go!

Sounds like yet more development is being pencilled in for the marina, if this does all go ahead it will be one incredible transformation, the total amount of investment at the marina and surrounding area alone is looking like it will be creeping up to a staggering 1 billion pounds worth.

Brighton Marina to be an 'independent neighbourhood'
By Lawrence Marzouk

A vision for Brighton Marina as a new independent neighbourhood of the city has been unveiled.

The blueprint for future development predicts that at least 3,200 new residents will move to the marina in the coming years, with many young families making the area their home.

Shops, parks, GP surgeries and a primary school have been pencilled in for future developments.

Brighton and Hove City Council has revealed that its planned bus-based Rapid Transport Scheme could run along Madeira Drive as well as Eastern Road.

This will involve creating a new route connecting the seafront road with the marina.

Dedicated lanes and limited stops will cut travel time between the marina and Brighton Station.

The council hopes work will start on the new public transport system in 2010.

The planning document, which is currently out to consultation, includes planning guidelines for Brighton Marina, Black Rock and the former gas works site.

Brunswick Developments has already received planning permission for the south-western area of the marina.

The scheme includes a total of 853 flats, almost 2,000 sq m of shops and leisure space.

Explore Living has also applied to put up almost 1,300 flats as part of the 'Inner Harbour Scheme', including a 28-storey building.

Within the marina, a landmark building could be built at the eastern end.

The Black Rock project includes an indoor events arena with two Olympic sized ice rinks, one of which will be for public ice skating.

The venue will also be used for concerts and conferences and include, shops restaurants and 111 flats.

Another tower of more than six storeys could be built on the former British Gas site, which covers almost 2,500 sq m.

The financial viability of the site will be dependent on the cost of decontaminating the land. The owners want to redevelop the plot with a home and office scheme.

The planning report, which was discussed by the council last night, revealed: "The Marina presents an opportunity to create a substantial new neighbourhood with a significant, more permanent population emerging as a result of the proposed new development."

David Courtney, who runs the Walk of Fame at Brighton Marina, is preparing plans for a monorail linking the marina to the city centre.

He said: "The main problem if there are 3,000 people moving to the marina is how they are going to transport people.

"We need to give people a real rapid transit system and that is why we are working on a monorail."

Pamela Brickman, of Marine Drive, believes neighbours of the marina have been sidelined by the council and developers.

She said: "The planning department has been in consultation with the developers since March but nobody told any of the local residents about it.

"The whole thing is a nonsense."

Environment committee chairman Geoffrey Theobald said: "There's huge pressure from developers to build things at the marina.

"But until now, we haven't had a comprehensive plan and a set of rules to work by.

"This has led to adhoc development and residents becoming concerned it's a free-for-all there."

The consultation closes on February 14 and a final version of the plan will go to the back to the council in March.

A few more pics from miserable last week.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/RIMG0022.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/RIMG0004.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/elfabyanos/RIMG0019.jpg

I really quite like sussex heights, Not too bad compared with most of the crap from the era. Could do with new windows and a paint job then it would look great !

I really quite like sussex heights, Not too bad compared with most of the crap from the era. Could do with new windows and a paint job then it would look great !

It's a very nice building. It's a real shame though that so many people have done there own thing with their balcony. If this was a regency terrace they wouldn't be allowed to get away with it. There's not enough attention to conservation on modern buildings, the Barbican in London being a rare example.

It will be good to sort this area sorted out and especially open it up to London Rd. But I don't think Pelham house is that bad. It's a functional building in an unfashionable style. But it's solid and full of light and provides a good counterpoint to the taller Theobald House next to it. I just hope the new plans include something at least as high as Pelham. Those buildings look good together. You can see them both to the right in the distance (taken from Tower Point in the North Laine).


http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/4756/r1092931um8.jpg

Here's the latest projects update report on some of the major developments in Brighton & Hove, taken from the council website -

http://peace.brighton-hove.gov.uk/Intranet/CommitteeMgt.nsf/0/04B80D2C2C49B11C802573DA00597F0E/$File/Item+38.+MPSC+Project+Update+Reports+04-02-08.doc

Good find RSWB.
Nice to see that it looks like the bandstand and surrounding area will be improved as part of the I360 development.
Also if I understand the document correctly it's looking unlikely that the King Alfred development will kick off until Feb 09?

Good find RSWB.
Nice to see that it looks like the bandstand and surrounding area will be improved as part of the I360 development.
Also if I understand the document correctly it's looking unlikely that the King Alfred development will kick off until Feb 09?

It looks that way doesn't it, the king alfred is just taking forever, but at least we have the marina development underway, and the i360 hopefully in spring, along with other key developments being decided upon later this year like the explore living marina plans, circus street and preston barracks.

It also looks like good progress is being made with the Brighton centre scheme, which is the project I'm most looking forward too.

This in the Argus today, plans are being drawn up for the london road area - new homes, office and leisure space sounds good but do we really need another supermarket on this street?


Bid for new London Road unveiled
By Lawrence Marzouk


A massive regeneration scheme for one of Brighton's most run-down areas has been unveiled.

Developer St James's Investments has revealed plans to create a "new London Road" which could include a Tesco supermarket, department store, offices, leisure facilities and new homes.

The area proposed for development stretches from Preston Circus along London Road's shop fronts and down New England Street to just north of St Bartholomew's Church.

London-based St James's Investments has been acquiring land across the area, including Circus Parade and Vantage Point, New England Street, which was bought for £9 million in March 2006, according to Land Registry documents.

The firm, which has worked on a number of Tesco developments, has identified a string of other plots which could be purchased if negotiations with Brighton and Hove City Council are successful.

The former Co-op department store in London Road has been earmarked for a Tesco superstore which would be the commercial centrepiece of the development.

The supermarket would be in competition with the new Sainsbury's, Somerfield and the proposed Aldi in the area.

Council-owned properties such as New England House in New England Road, a hub for start-up companies, and the London Road multi-storey car park could also form part of the project.

Revamped smaller shops, new offices, homes and leisure facilities, which could be anything from a cinema, bowling alley or swimming pool, are also proposed.

The developer has said that sufficient parking will be needed to make the area financially viable.

The council has already identified London Road car park for improvement.

James Hepburn, of St James's Investments, said: "We believe the size and nature of the site provides a great opportunity for the local community, commerce, government and developers to come together to create a truly sustainable exemplar development.

"The next step will be to develop proposed plans for the area by working closely with the council and by creating an honest and open public consultation which helps guide the proposals for the area so that it becomes a destination which Brighton residents and visitors like and use."

Forum for the Future, a sustainable development charity, will be part of the project.

A spokeswoman for the development said: "It is likely that a Tesco could be an anchor to replace the redundant Co-op department store on London Road, but St James's Investments will not take a decision on this until it has fully consulted the local community and developed the best possible scheme for the area.

"St James's Investments is a very sensitive developer and dedicates a lot of resource to understanding and working with the local communities in which it works."

Brian Oxley, the leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "The area does need regeneration.

"There are a number of issues we will be looking at and the major projects committee must consider what is best."

He added that while New England House needed some work it was important to protect the enterprising businesses in the building.

Keith Taylor, a councillor for the area, said: "Clearly London Road is in serious need of investment to make it once more a thriving town centre for the local population.

"As ward councillor I will be making the case for the best deal for the community but we do not need another supermarket in London Road.

"We can make more imaginative use of that site."

A report on the project will be discussed by the council's major projects committee on February 4.

A website and public information line will go live in April or May and a public exhibition held.

This in the Argus today, plans are being drawn up for the london road area - new homes, office and leisure space sounds good but do we really need another supermarket on this street?

No we don't! Especially not another Tesco. I had really been hoping that one of the big department stores would be tempted to open up in the Co-op building (John Lewis would have been fantastic... I can dream!). I don't think that unless a more upmarket store opens in that area that there is any hope of London Road improving.

Will be a while till we have cores then. I360 was meant to start this month, There is 5 days of the month left..............
.
That was written October 2007, is anything happening to i360?

That was written October 2007, is anything happening to i360?

There is an update on the West Pier trust site that gives a bit more detail about what is going on with the project and why it has been delayed. The primary reason is due to the "creative interaction required between the architectural designer and the engineering contractors" :nuts:

http://www.westpier.co.uk/pdfs/NL_Nov07.pdf

No we don't! Especially not another Tesco. I had really been hoping that one of the big department stores would be tempted to open up in the Co-op building (John Lewis would have been fantastic... I can dream!). I don't think that unless a more upmarket store opens in that area that there is any hope of London Road improving.

John Lewis are very much interested in opening up a store in Brighton but they require a space in the core retail area, London road will never be attractive to big name retailers like that.
Maybe this plan for London road is the best we can hope for?

If major new office buildings are built in the area (a new office quarter is designated for new england street) , then I can see it becoming more lively by day, with new bars and cafe's opening to appeal to all the new workers in the area.

One concern of mine is that if there were to be a tescos, how would the open market survive?

That was written October 2007, is anything happening to i360?


I emailed the developers the other day, they are saying that work will start in spring.

Despite some concern earlier in the month it looks like the vast majority of predictions are very postive for the Brighton property market.

This taken from www.aboutproperty.co.uk

Look to Brighton for hot property


The south coast city of Brighton and Hove is among the most attractive and rewarding places to invest in the UK according to experts.

The areas close proximity to London, picturesque location, developed community and vibrant culture all culminate to make the region an interesting proposition, according to Brighton and Hove Family Homes (BHFH).

"Brighton has extremely good transport links to London. There is a fast train that goes to London very frequently," said Charlie Snell, director of BHFH.

"There is also the sea, which is a fantastic attraction for most people and the fresh air that it brings with it; there are a lot of parks. It is attractive particularly to Londoners."

The city stretches along the coast, and presently has a population of around 480,000. It also has a feel all of its own, according to BHFH.

"It's one of the only places outside London that sort of maintains a London feel to it and where you don't feel like you are in a provincial town," continued Mr Snell.

"It is quite a funky place and there are a lot of independent shops here. There are also a lot of independently-minded people; people who don't think in a mainstream way and this helps retain some of its unique identity," he added.

The buy-to-let market in the city is also highly developed.

"Brighton has a strong buy-to-let market because there are two universities here and numerous other colleges and language schools and this helps the rental market," explained Mr Snell.

"Also, people who want to move here usually rent first, just to test the water, so the rental market is extremely strong."

Finally, the city also appears to be relatively unaffected by the prevailing conditions in the market.

Research from BHFH finds 70 per cent of the city's inhabitants believe prices will continue to rise.

Furthermore, the Land Registry finds prices have increased 11.9 per cent in the past 12 months, well ahead of the national average of 6.7 per cent.



Another short article from property finder -

Brighton grows in popularity
by Kay Murchie

According to a survey by propertyfinder.com, Brighton is growing in popularity and has been the most sought after property region. Brighton is on the south coast of England and is a mix of Regency heritage, specialist shopping and boasts plenty of culture.

propertyfinder.com said for the month to date, Brighton has been the subject of the most searches with Manchester in second place. The company also added that 16% more web users had visited the site to look for property in January 2008 than in December 2007.

Neil Tavender of propertyfinder.com said although the housing market is experiencing a slowdown, certain areas such as Brighton and Manchester are thriving.

Mr Tavender added that while the national market has cooled, some areas are much brisker than others. Buyer activity on propertyfinder.com in Brighton is almost 4 times the average for the country.

There is an update on the West Pier trust site that gives a bit more detail about what is going on with the project and why it has been delayed. The primary reason is due to the "creative interaction required between the architectural designer and the engineering contractors" :nuts:

http://www.westpier.co.uk/pdfs/NL_Nov07.pdf

And the planned pier design eventually to "maintain public access to the full length of the pier; and have uses which avoid the ‘gambling/funfair’ ethos of most piers."

Excellent.

I emailed the developers the other day, they are saying that work will start in spring.

Funny, They said the exact same last year !