Work begins on '˜new Lane' in Brighton

The 1.3 acre site is being redeveloped by Redevco, a European retail real estate investment manager. It is expected to be complete by mid-2018.

Andrew Foulds, portfolio director at Redevco, said: “We are creating a new Lane, a new entrance to the historic Lanes from North Street and are redeveloping existing buildings on North Street, to provide exciting new spaces for shops, restaurants and cafes.”

Once home to the ‘Harrods of Brighton’, the area links the Lanes, North Laine, East Street, the cultural quarter and Brighton beach.

The new ‘Hanningtons Estate’ development will combine larger stores fronting North Street, with smaller units in Hanningtons Lane, plus a small number of new apartments which will be available to rent.

Cllr Warren Morgan, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “Hanningtons was for generations at the heart of Brighton’s shopping experience next to The Lanes. I’m delighted that Redevco is investing substantial sums in the city to return the area to its former glory, revealing the historic Pugets Cottage and opening up a new Lane which will add to our unique offer to visitors and residents alike. It is regeneration that respects our heritage and along with the coming of John Lewis it is more good news for North Street and for Brighton and Hove.”

Redevco has invested £72 million into the project, acquiring the majority of the city centre site in 2015 and an adjacent property at the end of last year.

Mr Foulds said: “We want Hanningtons Estate to build further on Brighton’s reputation for individuality and diversity of culture, by bringing this approach into a vibrant retail and leisure destination. The vision is to blend a visually unique and engaging scheme into the existing network of narrow alleyways, lanes, eclectic boutiques, restaurants and cafes/bars that already make Brighton so popular.

“We also have an opportunity to invest substantially in the quality of the buildings on North Street and our Masterplan approach should provide a catalyst for the whole area.”

He said the new Lane will host retailers that ‘represent pioneering fashion, cutting edge art and inspiring food and produce’.

The design of the new development is set to incorporate local materials and will reveal the historic Puget’s Cottage, currently hidden behind the Timpsons shop front on North Street, for the first time in 140 years.

Westridge Construction has been appointed as main contractor and architect Morgan Carn Partnership has created a scheme which ‘blends the history and character of the Lanes with the needs of modern retailers’.

Redevco said construction work will initially focus on the band-end of the scheme, enabling existing retailers to continue trading with minimum disruption.

For more information, visit: www.hanningtonsestate.com