PLANS have been made to build a hotel, shops and restaurant on Brighton’s Madeira Terrace.
The proposals have been submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council to revive the crumbling Victorian arches, and create a “world class retail and leisure development", incorporating a new premium hotel operator.
The project is estimated to cost more than £100million.
Developers hope the development would create hundreds of jobs and attract more tourists to that end of the seafront, while also repairing the decayed seafront arches, which have recently lost out on lottery funding.
Brighton and Hove resident Roger Wade, who runs a retail and leisure development company, Boxpark, developed the plans alongside Paul Nicholson, founder of Chalk Architecture.
They aim to restore have the goal of restoring the Madeira Terrace “to its previous grandeur".
He wants to retain "the magnificent arch structures while substantially increasing the commercial performance of the area and food and beverage offering for locals and visitors alike”, he said. Boxpark is a pop-up shopping centre which opened in London’s Shoreditch in 2011.
Mr Wade wants to secure a 12 month exclusivity period to explore design, funding and management opportunities for the regeneration project
He said: “As a Brighton and Hove resident, I’m passionate about the regeneration of our outstanding sea-front.
“Madeira Terrace is the embodiment of the Victorian grandeur that saw Brighton become the UK’s favourite seaside destination.
“Our proposal aims to redevelop this much loved area to create a year round retail and leisure destination to be enjoyed by local residents and visitors to the coast alike.
"We’re looking forward to the opportunity to work with Brighton and Hove City Council, local stakeholders and businesses and our development partners over the next 12 months to explore how we bring the Boxpark concept to Brighton, whilst retaining the architecture and heritage that our seafront is synonymous with.”
Paul Williams, development investment advisor for Morgan Williams, said Boxpark's experience will ensure it is the perfect developer for the crucial seafront site.
He said: “Boxpark’s innovative and refreshing approach to the retail and leisure sectors will be a perfect match for this potentially iconic development.
"The development team assembled combines local sensitivity with international expertise.
"I have absolute confidence that we will secure strong investor interest from a wide range of UK institutions, property companies and international investors including sovereign wealth funds, many of whom may normally be constrained to investing in London.”
Paul Nicholson, Director, Chalk Architects said: “Further to developing a concept to save the Madeira Arches in 2015, we have had an ongoing constructive engagement with the local community about our ideas via our social media.
"In response to significant public interest the scheme has evolved over time into a dynamic proposal of new & enhanced public space wrapping around leisure, hospitality and commercial office use. Working with the Boxpark team has transformed the scheme into an exceptionally exciting prospect.”
Scott Marshall, Regeneration Advisor, Marshall Regen said: “The regeneration of Madeira Terrace is a key priority for the City Council and by working in partnership with Boxpark, its sustainable future can be realised.
"Boxpark are committed to engaging with stakeholders including local businesses, Brighton Marathon, Yellowave, Sea Lanes and the Concord to maximise the project’s economic, social and visitor economy growth potential.”
Boxpark is a Brighton based retail and leisure development company specialising in creating unique entertainment spaces. Currently located in Shoreditch and Croydon, Boxpark is set to open its latest site in Wembley Park in late 2018.
Lloyd Russell-Moyle, Labour MP for Kemptown and Peacehaven, said: "This is a fantastic plan for the city.
"The council needs to look closely at the plans and make sure the developer has substantial financial backing and resources.
"I hope it won't be another false promise. In the past there have been a lot of plans for Madeira Terrace and the West Pier, but they never came to fruition.
"It's not because there were a lack of ideas or interest, but it's been insufficient finances."
Conservative Councillor Garry Peltzer-Dunn, representing Wish ward, welcomes the proposal.
He said: "This is an exciting project but we must explore the plans in detail.
"We failed to get funding from the lottery fund, so I think if there is private investment available it will be sensible of the council to look into it.
"Madeira Terrace is the longest cast-iron structure in the country, so it is a very special architect. The council should pursue every avenue."
Boxpark is a Brighton based retail and leisure development company specialising in creating unique entertainment spaces. Currently located in Shoreditch and Croydon, Boxpark is set to open its latest site in Wembley Park in late 2018.
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