Project Brighton
Eeva Paasiaro on The Anston House Project
Anston House, otherwise known as the “ugliest building in Sussex” has been untouched for over three decades. Many of us have seen Anston House as we travel into Brighton on the train or by car or as we spend time in the beautiful Preston Park. Websites have been set up by people asking why this “ugly” building remains and why can’t it be used for something more meaningful?
That’s where we come in. As a business, we have spent the past 14 years transforming forgotten parts of cities and delivering new places that local people can be proud of once again.
We have spent more than 14 years transforming parts of cities that local people can be proud of once again
We see a fantastic opportunity to transform Anston House into a new space that will respond to the need for homes and workspace in Brighton; and make a significant contribution to Brighton’s economy.
We acquired the Anston House site in 2014 and have spent the past two years listening to local residents and businesses to understand needs and aspirations. We heard loud and clear the need for more homes: especially affordable homes. We also heard the need for modern workspace to accommodate the growth of small businesses in Brighton which we know are growing quickly – “Brighton has a business startup rate of 67.24 (per 10,000 population) 2014 and the 4th highest rate in the UK for new jobs”. (Centre for Cities Economic Report 2015).
That is why we will utilise this opportunity at Anston House to bring 229 new homes; with a mix of one, two and three bedroom for singles, couples and families. These homes will be for local people and this will be reflected in their price; and the affordable homes will be aimed at people on average incomes who want to buy their own home (usually households with both adults earning less than £60,000 combined).
The workspace planned will be a new co-working hub to accommodate up to 162 individuals, with the potential for an additional 125 on a casual, social basis. The plans will also include event space for the use of members, local businesses, schools, universities and a café operated by a local business to encourage collaboration and bring non-members in.
We will utilise this opportunity of Anston House to bring 229 new homes, these homes will be for local people and this will be reflected in the price
The buildings will be taller than the existing Anston House, to ensure that we can accommodate the much needed homes and workspace and it’s welcoming to see our plans supported by local residents and businesses such as Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce, University of Sussex, Entrepreneurial Spark and Wired Sussex. The buildings will respect their local surroundings and the designs by local practice, Conran and Partners ensures this; especially making sure that there is no detriment to Preston Park.
We are grateful to hundreds of local residents and businesses who are supportive of our plans for Anston House and we look forward to delivering these homes and workspace in Brighton.
