Fear revamp will call time on pub

Parkridge Developments wants to spend £100 million transforming the marina into a resort to rival Monte Carlo.

The company has revealed it plans to build an array of leisure outlets including bars, restaurants, shops and housing on the 150-acre site.

People living in the marina are concerned their pub, Hanrahans in Village Square, will be knocked down to make way for the development.

Parkridge has not offered licensees of the pub, Cathy and Mark Hammond, a long-term lease. The couple have been at the pub for 18 months but their lease ran out this month.

Mrs Hammond said: "We have not been told one way or the other what will happen to the pub so we are obviously concerned we will not be part of the future plan."

Brighton Marina Residents'

Association, which has 800 members, has formed an action group to rally support against aspects of the proposed development.

As well as the loss of Hanrahans, it is concerned plans to build houses and a two-storey shopping centre in Village Square will affect access to properties and infringe on a residents' car park.

Association treasurer Jerry Moss said: "We feel we have not been kept informed about the development and our views have not been sought. We want to know exactly what will happen to the shops and facilities of our community."

Parkridge held a public exhibition of its plans in November but Mr Moss said most residents did not know it was going on.

Parkridge associate director Nick Scott said: "We sent every resident information about our public exhibition so they could find out more.

"We want to take their views into consideration and revise our plans accordingly, where possible."

Mr Scott admitted the future of Hanrahans was uncertain.

He said: "Part of our plan involves the development of this domain and at some point in the future the pub may be replaced."

The association will meet with Hanrahans at the marina office to discuss concerns next Sunday morning.