Plans to revamp Brighton’s Preston Barracks take step forward

For years it has been a major eyesore for people heading into Brighton city centre.

But, after sitting dormant for years, £150 million plans to transform this former army barracks off Lewes Road have taken a major step forward.

The University of Brighton and developers Cathedral Group have exchanged contracts with Brighton and Hove City Council for the purchase of Preston Barracks.

They will now work together on more detailed proposals before applying for planning permission.

The plans include the barracks site as well as neighbouring university land.

Early proposals are to create academic buildings, student accommodation with 1,300 bedrooms, 350 quality new homes and 25,000 sq ft of retail space.

At it’s heart will be a new “business incubation centre” designed to support high-tech manufacturing firms.

The local authority claims it will create 740 new jobs over a 10-year period.

To help kickstart it the government recently announced it will inject nearly £8 million into the scheme.

Latest TV’s Jav Douglas reports.