A proposal to bring two sites together in a joint development has the potential to bring over 100,000sqft of commercial grade A employment space, jobs and new homes to central Brighton and facilitate refurbishment of New England House.
Councillors at next week’s Policy & Resources Committee (3 December) will decide whether to progress an agreement with Arcus-PCD that would provide a mixed-use development across the Longley Industrial Estate and New England House sites, including the refurbishment of New England House.
Council leader Warren Morgan, who chairs the Policy & Resources Committee, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the council to work in partnership with a private investor to bring forward new homes and employment. The scheme would also see the expansion and refurbishment of New England House which is a growing centre for creative, digital and IT businesses in the city. Bringing the two sites together will make a much better result for the city and expand the regeneration of London Road and the New England Quarter.”
New England House currently houses 96 businesses employing around 1,000 people. The council has secured a £4.9 million government grant which would pay towards the building’s upgrade.
Under the proposal Arcus would acquire a 250 year lease from the council for the industrial estate and produce a comprehensive redevelopment package which would include housing, offices and public realm improvements.
The redevelopment of the Longley Industrial Estate would provide approximately 170 one and two bedroom units, at least 30% of these would be affordable rent, subject to planning consent.
Longer term the council would benefit from additional future income streams from council tax, new homes bonuses and business rates once the development is complete.
The committee will be asked to agree the terms by which the partnership can deliver the scheme. This includes the council facilitating the purchase of the existing leasehold interest and working with stakeholders to deliver the project for the wider benefits of the city.
More information
Read the reports for the Policy & Resources Committee (New England House and Longley Industrial Estate is agenda item no. 92)