A private school’s plans for a new 400 seat theatre, studios and multiple classrooms go before city councillors next week.
Officers have recommended the Planning Committee grant Brighton College’s application for a performing arts centre next Wednesday [6 October].
In its application, the school describes the new building as the “grand finale” of its ten-year master plan for redeveloping the campus.
The new building would be at the centre of the site, the location of the 1980s Lester building, the 1950s science block and existing performing arts centre built in 2000.
None of these buildings earmarked for demolition are listed and in August the council granted planning permission to demolish them to make way for the new structure.
The college campus is a conservation area and the buildings forming the college’s main quadrangle are Grade II listed.
The proposed building has 3,180sqm of floorspace over three levels plus a basement.
It would be built of light grey stone with square knapped flint accents.
Brighton College’s planning agents Litchfield said in its statement: “This is an exciting proposal for Brighton College, which would allow them to improve and enhance the learning experience for the pupils in their performing arts classes and provide break out spaces.
“It will replace buildings of neutral or detracting contribution with a high quality performing arts centre which will inspire pupils using the space.
“The proposed building is of a scale, mass and bulk that is suitable to its surroundings.
“The proposed performing arts building is a high-quality, contemporary building that has beendesigned to respond to the surrounding buildings whilst also designed to have a strong presence within the campus.”
Nine neighbours have objected to the plans raising issues about noise during construction, parking problems and disturbance after years of building work.
One resident, whose details are removed on the council website, said: “It looks to entail another lengthy period of development, following immediately on from the five years of disruption caused by the erection of the science and sports building.
“As a resident of the area – and someone who works from home – I have endured near constant noise pollution and regular traffic disruption as a result of the previous project. My neighbours and I are concerned by the possibility of another five years of the same.”
A kind of mediaeval grandeur looms with gentle presence.
How does my claptrap relishing of the design, as shown here, compare to that spouted by the developers as quoted here?
The CGI rendering is very c14th century! Which I warm to….
As Edward Street is home to a hospital which already experiences illegal levels of pollution, four times that of WHO guideline levels, development attracting more pollution in this area should be suspended.
The most vulnerable should be protected and the hospital and school need to be protected most. Remember that a child died of an asthma attack at the school and poor air quality makes asthma worse.
Clean up the air first, then think about adding more traffic.
This should be a massive council housing estate instead for people on benefits not something nice for kids who’s parents have done well and can afford private school. Soo unfair