Key points from the January 2016 Major Developments event

 

Notes of the key points arising from the event

 

 

Andrew explained in some detail the first phase of the Royal Pavilion Estate Masterplan. This would extend up to 2024, with construction start in the autumn of 2016. A further two phases are then envisaged. The main focus of phase one would be the Corn Exchange, the Studio Theatre, improved back of stage facilities and an improved frontage to New Road with better catering facilities.

 

The key issue from his talk was the continuous need for funding the Royal Pavilion Estate which he estimated at £500,000 per year. Unless this level of funds is expended on the Estate he could foresee the type of situation we now experience at Madeira Drive and other parts of the seafront where years of under investment suddenly result in exorbitant cost.

 

 

Nicholas gave the history of creating Moshimo in Bartholomew Square. Getting the first planning permission for the current restaurant took over a year with a huge effort by Nicholas and his partner. Only when they threatened to go elsewhere did they eventually receive permission. The plans for an elevated restaurant were prompted by discussions with the head of planning, who suggested a second floor. This was not seen as an attractive option by the restaurant owners as the vistas from a second floor would be as dreary as those from the ground floor. This prompted the idea of going high up to gain a view of the sea from the restaurant.

 

There were several key issues here, some of which came out as a result of the questions and comments from the audience:

 

One essential element to planning the future of the city is imagination and creative intervention (as all those icons of the past, which we all love, demonstrate). Unfortunately creative ideas even where they are supported by chiefs can easily be reduced and killed off by the ‘slow cogs of bureaucracy’. 

 

It is incomprehensible and time wasting that planning applications that go before committee need 50 page reports of detail where a focus on key issues might do. More emphasis on creativity and imagination is essential.

 

 

Nick outlined the investments happening and planned in the context of the regeneration strategy for the City. He highlighted the omissions in the past and the investment now coming forward from the Marina in the east to King Alfred in the west including the facilitation for a loan that had helped bring about the i360. He explained that the many large developments in the pipe-line would put enormous pressure on the planning department, but that Planning Performance Agreements with major applications might generate the funds necessary to progress these speedily. 

 

There were several key issues here:

 

The development along the seafront will have transport implications, not least the proposed conference centre at the Black Rock site.

 

The new development proposals need to be progressed speedily and might result in a need to expand the planning department.

 

Overall the opportunities now arising in Brighton and Hove require the authority to become less risk adverse and more open if we are going to take full advantage of the change in the investment climate.

 

There were two threads that attendees felt need to result in some positive action.