An exciting development in Brighton is set to truly transform a two acre site in the City formerly known as Amex House. The proposed development, set to be titled the Edward Street Quarter, will transform the area into a vibrant mixed-use area which will help revive the area.

The development is being brought forward by First Base, a company with a reputation for delivering innovative buildings and places that are adaptable to the changing needs of communities and businesses. They’ll be sharing details on the scheme at the Brighton & Sussex Development Plans Conference – with tickets now on sale for the event.

First Base, along with Patron Capital, are proposing a commercial led development at the former AMEX House – which is aligned with the planning brief previously consulted on by the Council. The development could provide up to 2,000 new jobs and would include:

  • 160,000 sq ft of commercial space
  • Restaurants and cafes
  • 150+ new homes
  • Green spaces
  • Cycle and car parking spaces

The commercial space wont only target the creation of new jobs, but it will also primarily target local businesses who want to grow and remain within the City. Buildings will vary in height – with plans to have them spanning between three and eight storeys high – with some ground floor units being used for the cafes and restaurants.

The residential new builds would be a great boost for City centre living, and 168 homes could be built in a mixture of 1, 2 and 3 bed homes – both private and affordable. The green spaces would help drive the desire to be situated in the area with distinctive green areas planned for Green Square, Mighell Street and Residents Garden. Infrastructure would then be linked to the site with 550 cycle parking spaces and 50 car parking spots created. In total it could provide a boost of £200m to the local area over the next ten years.

A formal planning application has now been submitted to Brighton & Hove City Council – who’ll also be speaking at the Brighton & Sussex Development Plans Conference – and they’re now looking to gain feedback from the community before making a decision on the proposed plans.

Brighton & Hove City Council are likely to look at elements favourably, especially within the plans vision of helping towards Brighton and Hove’s desire to be the UK’s first truly sustainable city. Edward Street Quarter would contribute to this by:

  • Delivering three new high-quality green spaces that are easily accessible and can be enjoyed at all times.
  • The introduction of new trees, attracting wildlife into the City and boosting Brighton’s internationally renowned elm population.
  • Encouraging zero waster during construction and providing recycling facilities across homes and businesses.
  • Protecting and restoring biodiversity, through provision of bird boxes and planting to attract local wildlife.

The proposal delivers ‘significant benefits for the local community and will bring long term benefits for Brighton’. The benefits for local residents and those already within the community would be captured through a social value frameworks which would enable all contractors and businesses involved with the redevelopment to monitor and measure the impact that they’ll have.

If given the thumbs up it’s hoped that work will begin on site in early 2019.

Join us to hear more about the development and more happening in the region at the Brighton & Sussex Development Plans Conference.