18.11.2005
Brighton & Hove City Council and the University of Brighton have shortlisted four developers to work with them on the regeneration of the former Municipal Market site at Circus Street.
The city council and the university are seeking a developer to provide a new university library, offices and teaching space; housing (including affordable housing); commercial offices; creative workspace for arts groups and the creative industries; shops and restaurants. The final scheme will be of the highest standard of urban design and sustainability and will offer physical and social regeneration benefits for the surrounding area.
The redevelopment is of the site of the former wholesale fruit and vegetable market, the NCP car park to Kingswood Street and the university's Circus Street Annexe building. The market was moved to Hollingbury in 2004.
There were 13 initial expressions of interest, including from a number of large developers showing real excitement about the site. The shortlisted developers are:
- Cathedral Group PLC (using John McAslan & Partners architects),
- The Places for People Group Ltd (using r3architects),
- Taylor Woodrow Developments Ltd (using LCE Archimed), and
- Vinyl Factory Ltd./Resolution Property PLC (using Munkenbeck and Marshall Architects)
The four shortlisted companies are now preparing schemes for the site that will be assessed on issues such as how sustainable they are, design quality, and regeneration benefits. A final preferred bidder is expected to be selected in April 2006. It is planned that work will start on the site in March 2007 and for the final phase to be completed in June 2009.
The city council and the university are basing their requirements for the site on an Urban Capacity Study they jointly commissioned in 2004, and the city council is also in the process of preparing a Supplementary Planning Document to give planning advice on the development of the site. This document involves extensive public consultation of nearby residents and businesses.
Rod Mallinder, Director of Estate and Facilities Management for the University of Brighton said, "The university is committed to providing the best resources and facilities for its students and over the past 10 years we have invested over £100 million into our estate. The project at Circus Street is an exciting opportunity to work in partnership with the city council to regenerate and bring high quality design to the area."
Other aerial photographs of the site are available to help readers see the existing condition and set the context of the development process.
Please contact Max Woodford in the City Council's Economic Development & Regeneration Team (tel: 01273 293451) for further information.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton,
01273 643022
