Circus Street transformation begins in Brighton

The transformation of Circus Street – Brighton’s new social, cultural and economic quarter – has officially begun.

Key stakeholders celebrated the commencement of the scheme as the first machinery arrived on-site to demolish the old municipal market building. Demolition works will continue into late-2015, with construction beginning in earnest early next year.

With sustainable construction methods a priority, any timber reclaimed during the demolition will be used for board making and biomass fuel. All steel will be recycled, while the hard core and concrete harvested will be retained on-site for use during Circus Street’s construction. Any remaining waste materials with be sent to a transfer station for further sorting.

The comprehensive regeneration, which will inject £200M into the local economy while also creating 400 new jobs, will provide:

• A University of Brighton library and academic building with publicly-accessible exhibition space.
• 142 new residential properties including 28 affordable homes.
• A halls of residence comprised of 450 student bedrooms.
• The Dance Space – South East Dance’s new home at the heart of the development.
• 38,000sq ft of office accommodation including provision for start-up businesses.

 

Of the scheme Councillor Warren Morgan, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, commented: “The council is proud to have played its part in helping to bring regeneration to the Circus Street area. It’s great to see this major project get under way which will deliver much needed homes as well as employment and community benefits, alongside student accommodation that will ease the pressure on the city’s housing stock.”

Anne Boddington, University of Brighton, said: “We are delighted that work is underway – a high quality new art teaching and library space, as well as welcoming public exhibition space and cafe, will greatly enhance our educational offer at the university. The project will allow the university to further enhance its strong partnerships with the cultural organisations in the city.”

Jamie Watton, CEO/Artistic Director, South East Dance, added: “At last The Dance Space can become a reality – it will be a vital addition to the dance infrastructure of the whole country as well as a sustainable and permanent home for dance in the city. We are delighted to be the chosen cultural partner for this significant development and to support economic regeneration in our home city.”

Richard Upton, Chief Executive of Cathedral Group (Holdings) Ltd, concluded: “We are very excited to start work here – our ambition is to transform the area into a vibrant new quarter of the city, bringing cultural, economic and educational benefits to an area in need of some love. Our goal is to make Circus Street the go-to place for Brighton’s creative individuals, innovative business start-ups, students and nearby residents. This will become a reality in just two years.”

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