Brightons Ugliest Office Building May Receive Makeover
A property known to many as the ‘ugliest’ in Brighton, has been earmarked for regeneration into residential units and office space by the Brighton and Hove City Council.
Th building, Anston House, situated on Preston Road in Brighton has been empty since 1988 but nothing can happen yet as there is confusion over its ownership. Bridgetown properties is the legal owner according to the Land Registry, but due to the recession earlier this year, they are reported to have gone under.
Anston House, Preston Road
The property was purchased for £10.5 million back in 2007, a record sum per square footage for a commercial property in Brighton. The money to fund the purchase was put up by Investec, however they are claiming not to own or have any rights to the building.
A spokesperson for Brighton and Hove council commented:
“As soon as it becomes clear that someone is in a position to develop the site we’ll be actively encouraging them to come up with a plan for a mixed use development.”
Brighton will need to find an extra 20,000 square metres of office space In order to keep up with demand by 2016, Brighton will need to find an extra 20,000 square metres of office space. By utlising this building, it would help to meet the demand.