The owners of the Brighton Media Centre empire want to transform a fading historic building into a hub of creative industry.

Brothers Ian and Don Elwick have already renovated six derelict buildings in Brighton, turned them into offices and rented them out to small creative companies.

Now they have set their sights on the Royal York Buildings in Old Steine which the council is disposing of to help plug a £15 million cash shortfall.

Brighton and Hove City Council is selling a long-term lease on the building, believed to be for 150 years, which, in good condition, would fetch about £3 million.

But the property, which stretches over 28,000sqft, needs complete renovation. The council has chosen an experienced London firm, DTZ, to market the property, which used to be a hotel.

BMC staked its claim in a statement today: "Bringing back Royal York Buildings to its former glory will be a complex project but it is perfectly suited to Brighton Media Centre, representing as it does, the rising star of the Brighton and Hove economy.

"With the help of BMC, Brighton has won a worldwide reputation as a centre of excellence for creativity. It is far and away the most creative city in the South-East but there is still much to do.

"With BMC in pride of place at the heart of the city, Brighton will be sending out a message to other cities, visitors and the rest of Brighton & Hove - the creative city is at the heart of our growing economy and is here to stay."

Royal York Buildings was home to the council's social services staff.

The Grade II listed landmark, parts of which date back to 1771, was converted into offices when acquired by the council in 1929.

It boasts an imposing ground-floor lobby, large period rooms, offices, kitchenettes, storage and communal areas. The central facade dates from 1819. Its established planning use is for offices and council planning policies resist the loss of such space.

But if offices were shown to be genuinely redundant, other uses, such as a hotel and affordable housing, would be considered.

Property and finance councillor Simon Burgess said: "The building could provide jobs or homes or a combination of the two.

"We also want it preserved and enhanced so it continues to make a contribution to our historic cityscape."

Wednesday November 05, 2003