New Enterprise Point in central Brighton

A major development in the Lewes Road area of Brighton will provide 88 homes, upgraded offices and a community space that will be used by a local school.

Brighton & Hove’s planning committee today (Wednesday 8 January) approved outline planning permission to partly demolish an old industrial building in Melbourne Street and replace it with a new five storey residential block; substitute the south wing of Enterprise Point with a new four-storey residential block and refurbish the rest of Enterprise Point with flats, offices and a community space.

The plans also provide for allotments for residents.

Enterprise Point is a 1950s style industrial building and is badly in need of modernisation. It is 60% occupied and units on the top floor have been empty for over 10 years.

Brighton & Hove has a lack of modern office space in the city. Most of it (77%) was built before 1970 (compared with 57% in the south east region).*

Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, chair of the planning committee, said: “"The regeneration of Enterprise Point is important for new jobs and homes. It is a welcome investment for out of date buildings and will help regenerate the area around Lewes Road."

The new community space will be accessible from the playground of St Martin’s Primary School across a secure enclosure. It will not only improve educational facilities at the school but will be used as part of its work with families for which currently there is no space.

* Employment Land Study, December 2012.

Read the reports for the planning committee