The historic Brighton Lanes receive their first major redevelopment since the sixties with the coming creation of a new ‘Lane’ to be situated behind the former Hannington’s department store.
The city’s planning committee approved the plans on December 11 which will also include new retail units, homes, offices and a 26 room hotel. Furthermore the plans will uncover the 17th century Puget’s cottage which has been hidden for decades behind an electricity sub-station and another building.
Cllr Phelim MacCafferty, chair of the city’s planning committee, said: “In many ways The Lanes tells the story of how Brighton & Hove changed from fishing village to seaside resort. The narrow streets and twittens reflect the passageways of centuries ago and the buildings have grown up around them.
“Now The Lanes are set to benefit from a 21st century Lane in an ambitious development that combines new building with a respect for the old. It will create jobs and homes and ensure The Lanes remain a top visitor attraction. Puget’s Cottage is one of the oldest buildings in Brighton and will be brought into public view for the first time in decades.
“The development will also reduce the area’s carbon footprint as the new buildings will have features such as communal heating systems, solar panels, energy-efficient materials and lighting, rainwater harvesting and recycling facilities.”
Developers are working with local architects Morgan Carn on six separate applications to revive and enhance the former Hannington’s store area in The Lanes which closed down in the early 2000s.
Some buildings in the Brighton square area will be demolished to make room for a boutique hotel, and a four storey building to provide retail and three flats above.
A new pedestrian shopping lane consisting of 14 retail and eating outlets with 7 homes above and 2 floors of office space will be constructed from Meeting House Lane to Brighton Place. Permission has also been granted to build an additional storey on buildings in Brighton Square to create 7 three-storey town houses as the area is renovated.
As a historic area, lying on top of an ancient raised beach, archaeological excavations are to be recorded and carried out prior to the plans.
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