Concern over derelict seafront restaurant site three years on

The leader of the council has raised concerns over the delay to works on the Aquarium Terraces - which was set to be transformed into a private members' club.
The Aquarium TerracesThe Aquarium Terraces
The Aquarium Terraces

Developers Brighton Seafront Regeneration (BSR) Ltd was given permission to turn the derelict site just east of the Palace Pier into a Soho House private members' club with a café and restaurants in April 2016.

The council said developers submitted another planning application in September 2016, to finalise various details of the building such as materials and finishes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But Cllr Warren Morgan, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said since then nothing has happened and the poor appearance of the site on the seafront has attracted complaints.

He has today (October 24), written to the leaseholder of the Aquarium Terraces site Richard Franklin of BSR asking for an urgent update on the lengthy delay to works on site.

Cllr Morgan said: “There are many positive developments in this hugely important area; the Zip Wire, Sea Lanes, the Madeira Terraces appeal. But the Aquarium Terraces site is a dreadful eyesore and doesn’t provide residents or visitors with a positive impression of Madeira Drive or the city as a whole.

“I’m incredibly frustrated at the slowness of the scheme to progress, especially in light of the undertakings provided at meeting in June this year when Richard Franklin, along with Nick Jones of Soho House, confirmed construction was due to start last month.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We know Soho House is committed to the scheme but there still appears to be no activity underway on site. We simply will not wait indefinitely for BSR - or indeed any developer - to start works once planning permission has been granted. We have powers to act if necessary and we will make use of those powers.”

In his letter, Cllr Morgan has also made it clear that he expects BSR to comply with the conditions of the lease which set out that the leaseholder is obliged to keep the whole of the premises in good repair, including external redecoration every third year of the term.

Cllr Morgan offered BSR support but has said he must hear from them by November 10 with a clear plan of action.

The site has been left empty since The Terraces Grill and Bar closed in December 2014.

Soho House has been contacted for comment.