Preston Barracks Development

You are here: Home | Your city | Major Developments | Preston Barracks Development

Preston Barracks Regeneration Scheme

The 2.2 hectare Preston Barracks site is owned by the city council and was acquired from the Ministry of Defence because of its strategic significance and potential to contribute towards many of the city's priorities.  The primary objective is to create a first class, sustainable, employment-led, mixed use development that will act as a regenerative catalyst.  The site, on the main Lewes Road, is an 'urban gateway' to the city from the 'Academic Corridor' (close to Brighton and Sussex Universities).

Since 2009, the council has been working in partnership with the University of Brighton to explore wider development opportunities that include the former barracks site alongside adjacent university land.  This effectively doubles the area of developable land, which offers the prospect of a more integrated and comprehensive development.  Having agreed a 'Shared Vision' that sets out joint aspirations for the redevelopment in 2009, a Site Capacity Assessment that examined development potential was then completed in 2010.

A planning brief [PDF 1.7mb] was approved at the council’s Planning, Employment, Economy & Regeneration Cabinet Member Meeting on 15 September 2011.  The brief provides a means of interpreting adopted planning policy in respect of the Preston Barracks site as set out in the Local Plan and the Preston Barracks Supplementary Planning Guidance Note, (SPGBH 14)[PDF 343kb].  It also reflects the changed context of considering redevelopment as part of a wider package that includes the University's Moulsecoomb campus and Mithras House site.  The brief seeks a mixed development across the three sites that will provide a strong and identifiable city quarter for the benefit of all.

Work on a new masterplan jointly commissioned by the partners started in April 2012 and was completed in December 2012.  The masterplan report is being considered by partners with a view to agreeing the next steps.  As part of this, and to get a fuller understanding of the development costs and land values associated with this comprehensive development proposal, specialist consultants have been appointed to undertake further financial analysis and valuation advice to assist partner decision making.  This work is due for completion by the end of March and the results reported to Committee by the middle of the year.

For further information on the scheme please contact:

Major Projects & Regeneration Team
Tel: (01273) 291106
Email: mpt@brighton-hove.gov.uk