Brighton's Imperial Arcade taken over by new developer

The 101-year-old Imperial Arcade in Western Road, Brighton, will be transformed back into an “exciting commercial space” with luxury flats above.

The arcade used to be a “thriving hub for footfall” but has been lined with empty shops for years.

Brighton-based Moretons Investments announced yesterday that it acquired the site last year and will look to transform it back to its former glory.

Inside the empty Imperial Arcade in May last year (Image: The Argus)

Michael Blencowe, director of Moretons, said: “Moretons Investments are thrilled to embark on this journey and excited about the positive impact it will have on consumers and residents alike. 

"We aim to breathe new life into the Imperial Arcade, making it a vibrant venue for the entire community to enjoy once again.

“While plans are still in the early stages, Moretons vision includes creating an exciting commercial space within the Arcade itself, complemented by luxurious residential accommodations, maximizing the location's potential.

“Once a prime space for boutique retail, Imperial Arcade has unfortunately experienced a decline over the years. However, with Moretons Investments, a Brighton-based property investor and developer at the helm, we are eager to revitalise this piece of Brighton real estate.

"We will be collaborating with architects, planners, the council and other professionals to ensure that the Imperial Arcade undergoes a transformation that benefits the local neighbourhood."

The site has been left neglected for years (Image: The Argus)

Imperial Arcade was previously listed on real estate business AEW UK’s website as one of its properties.

It was originally built on the site of a former brewery in 1923 and had 17 shops.

This reduced to eight after Western Road was widened.

One of the last businesses to leave was Café Arcadia which said the pandemic and other shops being empty were the reason for it shutting up shop.

The Argus previously reported on concerns about the arcade which had been left untouched for years.

Gamleys Toy Shop in Imperial Arcade in 1998 (Image: Liz Finlayson/Argus Archive)

Gary Farmer, who started a group called Save Imperial Arcade, said last May: “I remember it as a kid walking through it when there were shops, it was a thriving hub for footfall. It was a nice place to be.

“That’s all gone. It’s derelict, all you get in there is pigeons or people rough sleeping. People avoid it.

“It could be so much better with a little bit of thought or imagination. It’s a beautiful space but it’s a horror show. It’s scary.”