Developers must make their intentions clear

The developers of the Sea Lanes project have been told they make a decision on a 150-year lease before their short-term contract is over.

Initially, the consortium’s plan was to build an open-air 50m swimming pool on Brighton seafront’s derelict Peter Pan playground site.

The Sea Lanes group has instead asked for a five-year temporary contract for the space with the option of taking on a longer lease at the end of the five year. The group have also reduced the pool size to 25m.

One of the main reasons for the consortium choosing to scale down to a five-year contract is due to the uncertainty around the future of Madeira Terrace and its arches.

A meeting of Brighton & Hove City Council Policy, Resources and Growth committee decided the consortium has to make a decision on the longer lease before the conclusion of the five-year shorter version.

Councillor Garry Peltzer Dunn said: “We are not granting a five-year temporary lease.

“We are actually granting a five-year lease. A lease is not temporary.”

The consortium’s plans will see a huge re-development of the area, with a complex being built along with the open-air pool. The complex will include shops, restaurants and offices.

If the consortium chooses to take up the 150-year lease after the five year contract, then rent will be charged based on the site’s value at the time rather than the price they originally get it for.

The developers hope the Peter Pan playground site will be ready by the end of May 2018.

By Clare Calder