Proposals for the re-development of Preston Barracks and the progress of negotiations are to be discussed at the forthcoming Policy and Resources Committee on December 5th.
REDEVELOPMENT: The proposals - a comprehensive redevelopment of the existing council owned site and adjacent University of Brighton land, to be delivered by the University and its preferred development partner Cathedral Group PLC - build on a joint project between the University and the City Council over several years to create a master plan which has the potential to deliver a step change in development in the city. The scheme has the potential to deliver Council policy to provide new, relevant employment space, much-needed quality housing, new university academic buildings and student accommodation. A key part of the scheme is the Central Research Laboratory (CRL), a cutting edge facility to support new hi-tech manufacturing start-up companies and which forms part of the proposed on-site Growth Centre - a core part of the Greater Brighton City Deal proposals. More information on City Deal here
GROWTH: The aim of the Growth Centre is to become a magnet for innovation, connecting the University of Brighton, businesses and entrepreneurs with investors. New high tech, design led manufacturing start up businesses and entrepreneurs will also be able to get high quality business innovation support to help them to develop and grow.
The focus will be on university research specialisms like nanotechnology/nanostructured smart materials; regenerative medicine; musculoskeletal/degenerative disease; and recycling of economically critical materials.
Initial projections indicate that the centre will provide 740 new jobs over a ten year period.
Leader of the Council Jason Kitcat said; “Preston Barracks is a really significant site for the city. It has enormous potential in terms of research, employment, redevelopment and new homes. It also knits together key partners across the city and will not only help business start ups get off the ground but also provide the support they need to flourish.”
Professor Julian Crampton, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said: “The University of Brighton has worked closely with the City Council and Cathedral Group to create a comprehensive plan for the development of the whole of the Preston Barracks and adjacent land owned by the University of Brighton. The development incorporates a range of uses from residential accommodation and student residences, to space for a new University of Brighton Business School and innovation space for the university and business to work closely together. This is a very exciting proposal for the City and for the University of Brighton – one which will create a permeable and attractive location which generates jobs and economic benefit to the City, and will alleviate pressure on the private housing market.”
Richard Upton, Chief Executive of Cathedral Group, said: “Brighton is one of the most forward-thinking cities in the UK. Our proposals to build a new community at this crucial northern gateway to the city where the University of Brighton already has a thriving campus, will deliver an opportunity to add significantly to Brighton & Hove’s ability to attract the best students, the best hi-growth companies and the best international investment in the world. Brighton & Hove City Council and The University of Brighton together are driving the agenda that is propelling the City forward with incredible speed and huge success. We are very happy to be part of this fantastic vision adding significantly to the investment we are making in this great city already through our development plans at Circus Street in the city centre.”
Editor’s notes
The Policy and Resources meeting is on December 5. Read the papers here
For more information
The university is Phil Mills
Phil Mills
Communications Officer
University of Brighton
Mithras House
Lewes Road
Brighton BN24AT
Telephone 01273 644756
P.J.Mills@brighton.ac.uk
Martyn Evans
Creative Director
Cathedral Group Plc
Telephone +44 (0) 207 939 0800
Mobile + 44 (0) 7778 931518
Fax +44 (0) 207 939 0801
Email m.evans@cathedralgroup.com
Web www.cathedralgroup.com
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