A public private partnership scheme promoted by Cathedral (Brighton) Ltd to redevelop Circus Street in Brighton has been given the go ahead.



The plan, which is supported by the University of Brighton and Brighton & Hove City Council and is a joint venture with McLaren, aims to transform the derelict fruit and veg market in the centre of Brighton, creating a commercial, cultural and residential quarter.



The development includes 142 new homes, accommodation for 450 students, 38,000 sq ft of office space, a dance studio, a new library and a academic building for the university.



Construction on the scheme is estimated to be completed by 2017 with a significant contribution being made by the developers to improve local transport and recreation provision, with a workforce made up of at least 20% of the workforce being made up of local construction workers.



Planning committee chair Cllr Phélim Mac Cafferty said: “The design of the new Circus Street is absolutely stunning with a carefully-chosen palette of materials which echo the architectural history of the city. The city will have truly visionary architecture which is precisely what we need given the density of the build.



“This year marks 80 years since the demolition of Carlton Mews, Carlton Grove, Circus Court and Circus Mews in the slum clearance of 1934. Today we can say that a phoenix is rising from the ashes. The new Circus Street is the latest and most significant in a series of inner-city renaissance projects which support jobs and the future prosperity of the city. It is a sign of new hope in the city and affirms that our city is a place which looks to the future with confidence.”