Brighton student leads community drive to reimagine the historic Preston Village

Gregory Fittock, who is studying for a master’s degree in Architectural and Urban Design at the University of Brighton, is spearheading a campaign to rethink the future of Preston Village, which has faced decades of challenges since the A23 was carved through its centre.

The project will culminate in a free public design event, Re-imagine Preston Village: Past, Present & Future, taking place on Friday 15 May from 2pm to 9pm at Knoyle Hall. The event is open to all and aims to bring together residents, local businesses and visitors to share ideas and explore how the area could become greener, safer and better connected.

Once an independent Sussex village, Preston was gradually absorbed into Brighton as the city expanded. However, road widening works in the 1930s transformed the A23 into a major route out of the city, severing the village in two and reshaping it into what many now see as a traffic-dominated gateway into Brighton.

Gregory, who has lived in the area for 15 years, said the initiative is about reconnecting the community as much as redesigning the physical space.

Gregory Fittock

“Preston Village has incredible history and character, but the A23 has dominated it for generations. We want to bring the two sides of the village back together and create somewhere greener, safer and more welcoming – a place where people can walk easily, meet neighbours and support local businesses.

“This is really about starting a conversation and giving local people the opportunity to shape the future of their area. We want residents to bring their ideas, their experiences and their ambitions for what Preston Village can become.”

Supported by the University of Brighton, the project brings together students, local experts and community partners to explore practical ideas for improvement.

Gregory said his studies have played a key role in shaping the project.

“Studying Architectural and Urban Design at Brighton has given me the tools to think differently about how places can work for people. This is a chance to apply that learning in the community I call home and hopefully make a positive difference.”

Dr Sarah Stevens, course leader for Architectural and Urban Design at the University of Brighton, said the project demonstrates the value of working directly with communities.

“Projects like this show exactly what architectural education can achieve when students engage with real places and real challenges. It’s about understanding the social and environmental context of an area and developing ideas that can genuinely improve how people experience where they live.”

The event will feature a range of material exploring both the history and possible future of Preston Village, including archive photographs showing the area before the A23 divided it, alongside new design ideas developed as part of the project. Visitors will also be able to see aerial photography and film of the area by local drone pilot Morgan Robertson, as well as a newly created illustrated map of Preston Park and Preston Village by artist Kay Train.

Gregory hopes the initiative will help build momentum for longer-term improvements, including safer crossing points, more street trees and green infrastructure, better cycling links and revitalised public spaces that encourage people to spend time in the area rather than pass through it.

Re-imagine Preston Village: Past, Present & Future takes place on Friday 15 May from 2pm to 9pm at Knoyle Hall in Preston Village. Entry is free and no booking is required, and residents from across Brighton and Hove are encouraged to attend and take part in shaping the future of the area.