Preston Barracks, Brighton
In February 2018, Brighton and Hove Council sold its derelict Preston Barracks site to the developer U+I Group; clearing the way for a significant mixed-use regeneration project. U+I simultaneously exchanged contracts to partner with Scape Student Living to deliver 534 student beds.
The scheme is part of a wider regeneration initiative to transform an area of Brighton, establish the University at the centre of Brighton’s economic life, attract enterprising and high-growth companies, and attract international investment.
Designed by award-winning architects HASSELL, Studio Egret West, TP Bennett and Stride Treglown, the proposals for the 2.2 hectare plot include the development of the Preston Barracks site (which has been derelict for more than 20 years), the University’s Moulsecoomb campus and adjoining University land comprising:
- 369 new homes.
- 1,338 student beds.
- New academic buildings.
- 25,000 sq. ft. of retail space.
- A 55,000 sq. ft. commercial building for start-ups and SMEs in high-tech manufacturing.
The project was granted planning permission in September 2017. It is hoped that the £300 million public private partnership project will create more than 1,500 jobs, and attract more than £500 million into the city over the next ten years.
Richard Upton, Deputy Chief Executive of U+I, said:
"The Preston Barracks project is one of the largest and most ambitious regeneration projects to have been brought forward in Brighton for a number of years. We will deliver world class, imaginative urban design, leaving a lasting legacy that befits such an inspirational city".
In May 2018, it was confirmed that John Graham had been appointed main contractor for the first phase of the construction works.
Graham's contract is for a seven-storey concrete-framed workspace building, targeting a BREEAM 'excellent' rating. The Central Research Laboratory will be used as a workspace aimed at small businesses and start-up companies. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.
U+I development manager Sarah Chitty said: “We’re proud to be working with Graham on the first phase of the project. Their commitment to supporting local communities and economies is closely aligned to our own vision to create long lasting benefits for the places in which we work.”
Graham development director Rob Joyce said: “Our main objective is to create a high-quality commercial building that will attract enterprising, high-growth companies to the area. We will work closely with U+I and the project team to ensure that it provides a range of functioning spaces that are tailored to the needs of the individuals using it, while fostering entrepreneurship and excellence in innovation.”
--U and I
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki:
- Articles by U and I.
- Blackhorse Road regeneration.
- Cathedral Group.
- Circus Street, Brighton.
- Clapham One.
- Development Securities.
- Maidstone development.
- Mixed-use development.
- Placemaking.
- Public private partnership.
- Regeneration.
- The Deptford Project.
- The Movement, Greenwich.
- U and I.
- UandI Think event with John McDonnell MP.
[edit] External references
- U+I - Preston Barracks
Featured articles and news
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding.
Types of rapidly renewable content
From forestry to agricultural crops and their by-products.
Terraced houses and the public realm
The discernible difference between the public realm of detached housing and of terraced housing.
Looking back at the influence of climate events
From a designer and writer: 'There are limits to growth but no limits to development'.
Terms, histories, theories and practice.
Biophilic design and natural light
Letting in the light and natural elements into spaces.
Comments