Member Article

Brighton joint development deal set to create commercial space, jobs and homes

Plans to bring two sites together in a joint development has the potential to bring over 100,000sq ft of commercial grade A employment space, jobs and new homes to central Brighton and facilitate refurbishment of New England House.

Councillors at this week’s Policy & Resources Committee (3 December) will decide whether to progress an agreement with Arcus-PCD that would provide a mixed-use development across the Longley Industrial Estate and New England House sites, including the refurbishment of New England House.

New England House currently houses 96 businesses employing around 1,000 people. The council has secured a £4.9m government grant which would pay towards the building’s upgrade.

Under the proposal Arcus would acquire a 250 year lease from the council for the industrial estate and produce a comprehensive redevelopment package which would include housing, offices and public realm improvements.

The redevelopment of the Longley Industrial Estate would provide approximately 170 one and two bedroom units, at least 30% of these would be affordable rent, subject to planning consent.

Council leader Warren Morgan, who chairs the Policy & Resources Committee, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the council to work in partnership with a private investor to bring forward new homes and employment.

“The scheme would also see the expansion and refurbishment of New England House which is a growing centre for creative, digital and IT businesses in the city. Bringing the two sites together will make a much better result for the city and expand the regeneration of London Road and the New England Quarter.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .