Plans to build hundreds of homes on the former Brighton Gasworks site on the seafront have been paused, an MP says.
Brighton Kemptown MP Chris Ward announced this lunchtime he had received conformation from Berkeley Homes it is reviewing the future of the 495-home scheme because of rising costs and reduced demand.
In response to a request from Mr Ward for an urgent update, Berkeley said it is exploring “all available options” for the site – a review espected to conclude by the end of 2026.
However, it says demolition of the former gasholders and initial remediation work is expected to begin in spring 2027, and to be completed in 2028.
And it says it intends to establish a community liaison group involving local residents and Brighton & Hove City Council before work begins.
Mr Ward said: “Residents living around the gasworks have understandably been asking what is happening with this site, so I wanted to get some clear answers directly from Berkeley.
“We now know that the development itself is effectively paused while Berkeley reviews its options, and that review is expected to continue until the end of the year.
“There is still a great deal of uncertainty about what happens next, particularly as there is currently no confirmed date for construction of the homes to begin.
“What is clear is that residents need to be properly informed and involved before any demolition or remediation work starts.
“I welcome the commitment to establish a community liaison group, but I will continue pressing Berkeley for detailed information about the safeguards that will be put in place around issues such as dust, noise, traffic and the wider environmental impact of works on the site.
“Whatever happens with the future of the development, the people living around the Gasworks deserve transparency and a proper voice in what happens next.”
The King Alfred leisure centre redevelopment is similarly financially unviable and growing more so by the day.
Are there any adults left in the room when it comes to the six-figure earning Senior Council Officers in BH City Council with an ounce of common sense between them? Financial due diligence? What standards do the professional bodies they belong to require compliance with? Who will have the cahoneys to tell Madam Sankey and her sidekick Taylor that the city cannot be run into the ground according to their egos and that Local Labour is not their personal vehicle to go on a metaphorical joyriding spree in? What Councillors have the cahoneys to stand up against being whipped and say what they really think? Sankey can’t afford any more defecters at this stage of the game, so what’s she going to do about Councillors who stand up to her? Come on. Do your worst before 8th November and let’s see some actual HOPE for positive change.
Ah James, another post which makes no sense. Thank you for your rantings.
King Alfred is publicly funded and fully funded…
Gas works is privately funded so absolutely no relevance …
Oh really? That explains why BH City Council won’t release the business plan. Just like they didn’t with the i360 and now we know why.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the required remediation to the former gasworks would cost so much before any demolition or construction starts put Berkeley off moving ahead.
Just a polite reminder here: the Council’s Planning Committee refused planning permission. I was Chair. The application went to appeal and was then granted by Secretary of State Steve Reid who replaced Angela Rayner before Starmer stepped down. Angela has now returned to this post. Many Councillors stood by the side of resident objectors noting the complex challenges of the application.
Well said Councillor Loughran. If only you were still chair of the Planning Committee.
I have an alternative proposal keep site for commercial use
Sounds as if Berkeley Homes are looking for a way out, so talk to them now.