Regeneration specialist U+I has announced that a plan for the €340 mln transformation of the Lewes Road area of Brighton has been given the green light, after completing contracts with Brighton & Hove City Council.
'We are delighted to complete this agreement and press on with regenerating Preston Barracks,' said Richard Upton, deputy chief executive of U+I.
'Our goal is to transform this run-down area of Brighton and deliver a stunning and exciting new place that befits the inspirational city of Brighton & Hove. We are now on site delivering one of the most significant regeneration projects in the history of the city.'
Derelict brownfield site Preston Barracks in Brighton forms part of the wider regeneration partnership with the University of Brighton.
The €339.5 mln gross development value project will create over 1,500 new jobs, 369 homes, 1,338 student beds and bring €318 mln into Brighton & Hove’s economy over the next ten years, according to U+I.
Significant regeneration plans
U+I’s proposals for the site include 369 new homes, 534 student beds (a partnership with Scape Student Living), and a 50,000 ft2 (4645 m2) innovation hub for start-up businesses and entrepreneurs.
The hub has already attracted €8.7 mln of grant funding from Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership.
The mixed-use regeneration project at Preston Barracks will include new public streets and squares, edible landscaping including fruit trees and vegetable growing areas and a 1km fitness route with outdoor play space and exercise equipment. Improved transport links between neighbouring residential areas and the train station are also planned.
U+I has also finalised agreements with student accommodation provider Scape Student Living to deliver over 500 high-quality student bedrooms on the site.
Demolition of the buildings on the army barracks is almost complete and building works are due to begin imminently. The whole regeneration, designed by Studio Egret Westand TP Bennett, is expected to be completed by 2021.
