Hotel planned for site of old Brighton ice rink

The old Queen Square ice rink in Brighton looks likely to become a boutique hotel.

Brighton and Hove City Council has sold the derelict site which was the Sussex Ice Rink for more than 30 years until it closed in 2003.

The council said that the site would be developed by The Light Boutique ApartHotel as their second such British development.

The proposal, which is subject to planning permission, follows the opening of the company’s first in Manchester city centre.

The firm aims to combine the service of a boutique hotel with the convenience of staying in an apartment.

The council said that the hotel would help to regenerate the area just north of the Clock Tower and bring life to that part of the city centre.

It added that the proposal would also extend the range of accommodation on offer in the area.

It is expected to provide some 60 apartments and a café.

The architects Conran and Partners have been asked to design the hotel and have already undertaken some initial consultation and are expected to carry out more.

A planning application is expected within six months.

Clive Lynton, the hotel firm’s managing partner, said: “We have a track record in delivering successful high-quality projects around the UK, but Brighton & Hove has a special affection for us.

“I live nearby, and I visit the city often, as do my fellow partners.

“We want to do something that we can all feel is right for the site and will be an asset.

“We will work with the community to get the best out of this site.

“It needs some action and we have the right team to deliver this.”

Two years ago a fire damaged the old ice rink building. The blaze is believed to have been started by arsonists.