Work begins at Edward Street - largest development of its kind in the city for 25 years

Work has begun at a £120 million, mixed-use redevelopment of the ex-AMEX House site – the largest development of its kind in the city for more than 25 years. McLaren Construction has been appointed as lead contractor at Edward Street Quarter, which is owned by property developer First Base in partnership with Patron Capital. Work is due to be completed in autumn 2021 at the site, which will include 168 new apartments with 75 rented spaces, 39,000 sq ft of retail units, and 110,000 sq ft of office space. Nick Hibberd, executive director for economy, environment and culture at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “I think it will change Edward Street completely.” He said that involving the wider community ‘particularly whilst breaking up of concrete slab is taking place’ at the site, will be ‘critical’. “We have got a passionate, involved community round here, a community that has already seen a lot of development,” he added. Steve Eccles, project director, First Base, added: “Starting on site at Edward Street Quarter is a significant milestone. “The growth of the Brighton tech, media and creative sectors has been frustrated by a lack of suitable workspace, so we anticipate strong demand for the commercial element. “It’s fair to say Queens Park and this area has got construction fatigue. We have been working really hard in the engagement process.” The multi-million pound development at Edward Street Quarter will give Brighton’s creative and tech communities a boost. That’s the view of Brighton and Hove’s business community, represented at the launch by Sarah Springford, director of Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce. She said, “We know from talking to our members that high-end office space is something this city is currently seriously lacking. “Developments like Edward Street Quarter will help Brighton prosper and help our burgeoning creative and tech businesses stay local, growing within what is fast becoming recognised as the UK’s Silicon Beach.” Steve Eccles, project director at property developer First Base – which is developing the site alongside Patron Capital – said the flourishing communities had been stymied through lack of appropriate space. “The growth of the tech, media and creative sectors in Brighton has been frustrated by a lack of suitable workspace, so we anticipate strong demand for the commercial element, which will sit within a vibrant new neighbourhood in the city centre.” Kevin Cooke, senior partner - development at Patron Capital, added: “Following significant planning, it’s exciting to see construction work starting for this major scheme. With its exceptional design, attractive city-centre location and mix of uses, we look forward to this being a highly successful development in all senses.” Mixed-use developer First Base and Patron Capital received planning consent for the £100 million redevelopment of the former AMEX House in Brighton in July 2018. It is hoped the site will bring more than 2,000 new jobs to Brighton & Hove alongside 160,000 sq ft of offices.