Planners have say on Amex House homes and workspace redevelopment

Plans for 168 homes and new employment space at the old American Express headquarters were given the green light today (July 18).
The designs for the £100 million First Base development at the old Amex House site on Edward StreetThe designs for the £100 million First Base development at the old Amex House site on Edward Street
The designs for the £100 million First Base development at the old Amex House site on Edward Street

The £100 million plans by First Base and Patron Capital for the Edward Street site include 15,000 square metres of commercial space that the developer said has the potential to create 2,000 jobs

It said of the 168 homes, 33 will be available at low cost for rent or shared ownership.

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Residents will have a communal garden and children’s play space and a new public square.

The designs for the £100 million First Base development at the old Amex House site on Edward StreetThe designs for the £100 million First Base development at the old Amex House site on Edward Street
The designs for the £100 million First Base development at the old Amex House site on Edward Street

Proposals also include extending Mighell Street, re-instating the historic pedestrian street that once linked Carlton Hill with Edward Street. The new street and square will link to Dorset Peace Gardens to create a ‘green route’ of public space.

There were 96 objections to original plans, and a further 50 to revised plans from residents, with concerns including parking and privacy.

Cllr Julie Cattell, chair of Brighton & Hove’s planning committee, said: “This project will help address the need for good quality office space for small and medium-sized enterprises in the heart of the city. It will create 168 new homes and thousands of jobs, as well as bring a vacant site back into use.”

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Barry Jessup, director at First Base, said: “The demand for workspace and homes in Brighton and Hove is growing. Our plans at Edward Street will bring modern workspace into the city, keep businesses and jobs local and provide much needed homes for Brightonians. We are very pleased to have the support of Brighton & Hove City Council and we look forward to working together to bring these exciting plans forward.”

Amex House on Edward Street before it was demolishedAmex House on Edward Street before it was demolished
Amex House on Edward Street before it was demolished

Kevin Cooke, development director at Patron Capital, said: “Securing planning consent is a major step forward for this exciting development that will re-energise this area of Brighton and is set to be a popular addition to the city for residents, businesses and visitors.”

At the same committee, plans were approved for new sports facilities at Patcham High School.

A new sports hall, designed by the council’s in-house architects, will be built providing new facilities for badminton, tennis, cricket, volleyball, basketball and dance, together with new netball courts and a 3G football pitch.

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