Plans for the most eco-friendly office in Brighton

Conran & Partners have submitted plans to Brighton and Hove council on behalf of H3O Media for the proposed redevelopment of the former Astoria Cinema in Brighton.

The proposals aim to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and include plans for a highly sustainable and energy efficient mixed use building for what would be the most eco-friendly office building in Brighton.

The proposed scheme is an exciting and forward thinking example of a mixed use development. It will include a cafe, shared amenity space at ground floor level, offices above and enterprise units to the rear of the site.

Conran & Partners are working with leading London-based sustainability consultants, Atelier Ten, and have developed a comprehensive sustainable solution for the design which includes locally sourced materials, natural ventilation, solar shading to prevent overheating and earth ducts to provide cooled air in the summer and preheated air in the winter. In addition, the plans also include rainwater harvesting to provide grey water for use within the building.

Paul Zara, Director at Conran & Partners says, “We are very excited to be designing this important building for the city. It will provide employment and a modern space, aimed at the arts and creative businesses in the city, while at the same time demonstrating world class sustainability credentials. It improves the quality of life for the neighbours in the North Laine and we hope it will be part of the regeneration that will stretch from here all along London Road. It is intended as a symbol of optimism for the future of the city."

Conran & Partners are confident that their plans for the new building will provide appropriate economic and regeneration benefits to the local community and the city as a whole.

The existing Astoria building was opened as a cinema on 21st December 1933 following a construction period of just five months. The Astoria ceased showing films in 1977 and subsequently was used as a Bingo Club until 1996. The building has since stood vacant and deteriorating despite the endeavours of a variety of groups and individuals to revitalise the site.