UK: Plans for four PBSA blocks of up to 15 storeys in height have been granted planning consent.
In December 2022, developer Cathedral (Moulsecoomb) Advisory LLP, submitted plans to build 566 student rooms behind an old manor house in Brighton
Brighton & Hove City Council has now given the £150 million project the go-ahead. The scheme involves demolishing existing 1990s student blocks which have room for 163 people at Brighton University. The four new proposed blocks are set to range from four to 15 storeys high.
As well as providing new homes, the project, called Upton Towers, will include a student gym, a wellbeing studio and a public café on the ground floor of the tallest block. The scheme will also include a pub, restaurant, events space and 10 guest bedrooms.
Cathedral says it will retain some of the original site landmarks including the Moulsecoomb Social Club. A ground source heat pump will be installed to enhance the schemes sustainability credentials.
In a statement published when the plans were submitted at the end of last year, Cathedral chief executive, Richard Upton, said: “After two years of careful design and consultation, I would like to thank the community groups, ward councillors and hundreds of people who participated in our consultations and meetings. We have heard a lot of local support for our proposals which will open up the listed gardens and buildings for everyone to enjoy.”
“Brighton has a shortfall of over 4,000 student bedrooms which is taking too many affordable homes away from families. These proposals will go some way to addressing that shortfall, putting student bedrooms in the heart of a university campus rather than taking land in residential and commercial areas. In turn this will lead to a release of affordable family homes in the city,” he added.
