By Richard Allan

London Road shop owners claim the construction of a 351-capacity university accommodation block won’t do enough to help the declining area.

The block of flats, due to house Sussex University students, is estimated for completion by late 2014.

But for an area facing one-in-ten shop closures, the addition is considered by many to be insufficient.

Neil Underhill, owner of Principal Meats butchers on London Road since 1990, has seen business fall in recent years.

He believes the area is struggling because “there are not the big stores to pull people down here any more”. He also believes that the trend for out-of-town supermarkets mean it's unlikely to see the improvement it needs.

The council gave overwhelming approval for the project last December, citing “improvements to the public realm and the building’s high energy efficiency” as deciding factors.

The council also said the area will benefit from less vandalism and squatting – a problem at the old site.

Ryan Bell, 33, a waiter at a nearby restaurant Cummin' Up, was another to express doubt: “Half will eat at home, others shop at Sainsbury’s. Three hundred and fifty is not enough. It’s not that big of an influx.”

But the council, who turned down an application to demolish the much-loved façade of Brighton’s historic Co-op building, say redevelopment on a site that’s been derelict since 2007 is progress.

Reflecting on what he feels is one of London Road’s lowest eras, an upbeat Mr Underhill echoed its optimism. He said: “Sometimes you’ve got to go right to the bottom to come back up again.

"Nothing is ever enough [to revive the area]. But 350 people – if some of them become customers, it’s better than nothing.”

The Sussex University project is part of plans to meet growing student numbers.

Other redevelopments in the area include Brighton Open Market, an undercover market area with space for 44 stalls, due to open in November, and the regeneration of the Level.