School of thought
Selma Montford MBE looks at possible changes to the Vardean college building
Varndean College is facing change. It stands grandly looking across its playing fields below and out over the town to the sea, but is currently facing demolition. The proposal is to knock down all the buildings, except the Downs Link College, and replace them with a low-level glass, brick and tile building, with a flat roof planted with sedum, with a glass bubble at the front.
The reason for this development is that the Learning and Skills Council, which is closing its doors in 2010, has money to invest. Initially the College’s proposal was for a £10m development, but the bill for the replacement building is now looking to be over £40m.The College has to fund some £3–4m itself.
A planning application is likely to be deposited in late July, and objections will have to be made in the window of two weeks or after the advertisement appears in the press.
You can learn more and offer help by contacting the Brighton Society or the Preston & Old Patcham Society. Please call 01273 509209 or email info@brighton-society.org.uk for details.
