BNnews
Community news, views on local affairs and the property market in and around Brighton and Hove
Pioneering clinic at children’s hospital
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City college fundraising boost for Martlets
New historical resource centre under construction near Falmer
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New ideas wanted on 'arena' site New bidders will be sought for redeveloping Brighton’s Black Rock site. development featuring a multi-purpose arena and adjacent ice rink plus private and affordable homes, shops and restaurants. But developers were unable to find the required funding as the recession hit. A planning application has never been submitted. As recently as May, they presented amended plans to a council project board. However these were felt to vary so greatly from the originallyagreed scheme that the board recommended the whole project should instead be re-tendered on the open market. A council report says longstanding plans for an ice rink and arena cannot be made financially viable by developers and fresh ideas should be invited. These could still include an ice rink if a viable plan comes forward. In the meantime the council has said a temporary use for the site should be investigated. The report advises councillors on the policy and resources committee to support terminating a development agreement with Brighton Arena Limited dating back to 2007. The agreement formalised the council’s support as landlord for a
Among changes were an indoor venue with 3,000 seats to replace the proposed 10,000 capacity arena, plus a large increase in housing units from111 to 209. Any ice rink would be subject to available funding and was not, in the view of the project board, guaranteed. Chair of the policy and resources committee Cllr Jason Kitcat said: “Various administrations have been trying for many years to help developers get this scheme started. But if it cannot be funded the view of our cross-party project board was that we should go back to the market. I think we need to be realistic if we’re to put this site to a good use which benefits the city. Councillors will be asked if they agree.”
Brighton & Hove bids for Rugby World Cup 2015 Developing grassroots rugby and offering a vibrant cultural city is at the centre of Brighton & Hove’s bid to host group matches of the Rugby World Cup in 2015. As part of Brighton & Hove City Council’s submission to host the prestigious event, the council is committing to further boosting participation in rugby together with the city’s rugby clubs and schools programme. The bid combines Brighton & Hove’s established reputation as city of culture,
boasting a good supply of hotels and restaurants together with Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club’s state of the art stadium. The city’s local rugby clubs have strong junior development programmes. These provide a constant stream of players for the senior teams within the clubs and many players have gone on to play for the top rugby clubs in the country. Major events such as the Brighton Marathon, which attracted 10,000 participants and 80,000 spectators,
the Olympic Torch Relay and the London to Brighton Bike Ride show that as a city we are capable of hosting international events. The city has a strong tourism economy with over 8 million visitors per year, an abundance of budget and quality accommodation, more restaurants per head of population than any other city outside of London, and a wide range of attractions that benefits a seaside holiday destination.
ISSUE 34
AUTUMN 2012
Market Trends The local property market has remained strong this summer, particularly through August. Traditionally this can be a quieter month with the David Maslen summer holidays and Maslen Estate Agents people going away but this year has really bucked the trend. A record number of sales have been secured, as well as properties coming on to the market. Despite the patchy weather, it has been a feel good summer, with the Olympics and Paralympics creating an optimistic upbeat feeling across Britain. Unfortunately not all sellers will be feeling that positive, as some properties have been stuck on the market for months (some since last year). Typically the issue with these properties is overpricing. The importance of sensible pricing cannot be overemphasised. The fact is people will not pay more than they feel a property is worth and no good property should sit there for months. Far from missing out, if you price sensibly, it can often push up the final figure beyond the asking price. Economically things are still relatively stable and the latest unemployment figures have improved. People becoming self-employed or taking parttime work has accounted for some of this but it is still encouraging. Moreover, the government is also looking at ways to boost the economy through property development and reducing bureaucracy by simplifying the planning process. This is already proving contentious so it will be interesting to see what impact it may have. In terms of borrowing, some lenders have improved their rates recently, which is worth bearing in mind if you are looking at moving or remortgaging. However, it is well worth talking to a professional independent mortgage advisor to get an overview of the whole market and to make sure you are getting a good deal. Local prices continue to be fairly stable. Some economists have said values may drop a little across the UK in the coming months but there is currently no sign of that in Brighton & Hove. Property prices tend to hold due to the appeal of the city and the limited housing stock caused by our geographical position between the downs and sea. It is also worth mentioning that the rules on renting are changing in Brighton & Hove as the council are extending the requirements for licencing for student properties. The council believes it will reduce the impact of student housing on residential areas, improve standards of personal and professional conduct and improve building safety and management. As this includes any residencies with three or more unrelated people it may also impact those renting to young professionals who share accommodation. In summary, this all bodes well for a fairly strong final quarter of 2012, especially in the months running up to December, since sales are often boosted as people aim to be in their new homes by Christmas.
Pioneering clinic launched at children’s hospital
City College Brighton and Hove students give Martlets a fundraising boost Martlets Hospice had a £500 boost from City College Art & Design students recently when the proceeds from a charity fashion show held earlier this year were presented to Martlets Community Events Fundraiser Clem Hunnisett.
(Left to Right) Ryan Heal, Jamie Last and Dr Assad Butt
A pioneering investigation unit that will enhance gastro-intestinal services for children has been officially opened at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital following a £25,500 donation from Rockinghorse. The new Gastro-Intestinal and Nutrition Clinical Investigation Unit is the first of its kind in the country and will play a significant role in advancing the treatment of a range of gastrointestinal conditions, particularly when artificial intravenous feeding becomes essential for survival. It will benefit hundreds of children across Sussex and contribute to research that will have national and international significance. The new unit comes after six years of work by Dr Assad Butt, Consultant Paediatrician and Gastroenterologist, and his team to develop a highly specialist Gastroenterology and Nutrition service. He said: “The Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital is the first in the UK to have this service available. The bespoke database will be crucial in developing research and capturing the
correct data, making it a game changer within the industry.” The establishment of a clinical investigation unit will take this service into a new phase with the creation of a dedicated database, which will capture essential information about children’s treatment, nutritional care and test results in one place. The unit was officially launched by Dr Butt, Rockinghorse Chief Executive Ryan Heal and patient Jamie Last. Ryan Heal said: “Rockinghorse has raised £25,500 towards this fantastic new unit, which will play a significant role in advancing the treatment of a range of GI conditions. As a parent myself, with a son who has benefited from extensive treatment here at the Royal Alex, I am eternally grateful that this fantastic hospital exists in Brighton.”
Did you know? pe Ferry Brighton - Diep A weekly service ran from 1764 with packet boats ferrying visitors on their way to Paris. Twenty years later, three schooners and a cutter were operating the service. Until the Chain Pier was constructed, passengers had to be taken to and from the boats in small vessels and rafts. There were nine packets on the route in 1817 and nearly 2,500 passengers were conveyed to France during that summer. The Swift was the first of many steam ships on the route. Cross-Channel passengers were usually conveyed from the beach between by small rowing boats to ships moored in deeper water. The opening of the Chain Pier in 1823 enabled passengers to disembark directly for the first time. At that time Brighton was the busiest cross-Channel port in England. Construction of ships for the Newhaven route sealed the fate of passenger traffic from Brighton. There was a small revival between the wars with day-trips from both piers. A jet hydrofoil service operated from Brighton Marina to Dieppe from 1979. It was forced to close in 1980 as the Seajet was greatly affected by bad weather.
Catholaity
50th
Anniversary Fair
Saturday 10th November Hove Town Hall 10.30 am - 3.30 pm Many Stalls, Children's Games and Refreshments served all day.
In ‘Rags to Riches’, Fashion and Textile students from the Foundation and Extended Diploma Art and Design courses had taken unwanted charity shop garments which they then deconstructed and transformed into stunning fashion-wear. The students modelled their own garments, and choreographed the show. "We rely on the local community to help us meet our running costs," said Clem. "Without such support we wouldn’t be able to continue to provide much-needed care to our patients and those close to them, so City College’s fantastic efforts mean so much to us. We’d love to hear from other local organisations who’d be interested in the same sort of fundraising support.
Saltdean Lido Update After careful assessment of the repairs needed to get the Saltdean Lido pool operational, it was not possible to open it this summer. The Council said, “We understand this was disappointing for some members of the local community but we are committed to ensuring that the facility is safe and accessible for everyone to enjoy.”
Cliffs and coastline in Brighton & Hove The impact of prolonged periods of heavy rain on cliffs and slopes can have a destabilising effect. The exceptionally wet weather experienced in the UK from the beginning of April up to mid July 2012, has resulted in a fatal cliff collapse on the Dorset coast and in one area inland. It is difficult to predict when a cliff fall might occur. In order to try and improve our knowledge of the cliffs, Brighton & Hove City Council engineers work regularly with experts in the field to research and assess the coastline. The foot of our cliffs is defended by a seawall and in 2002 and 2005 work was carried out to stabilise the most vulnerable areas at Black Rock. In 2003/4 the council invested nearly £17 million in a new sea wall between the Marina and Ovingdean Gap. A risk assessment has been carried out to see if there has been any deterioration in safety. Councillor Pete West, chair of Brighton & Hove’s environment committee, said: “People love to walk and cycle along the Undercliff at Black Rock and want us to keep it open, so we have done all we can to make it as safe as possible. There are large yellow warning signs as well as a new information sign at Black Rock which gives details about the cliff’s history.
BRIGHTON - NEWS IN BRIEF Artwork on Astoria previews art fair Brighton & Hove’s community safety team has enabled giant artworks to be put on the front of the disused Astoria building in Gloucester Place.
The Keep
The prints are by Janet Brooke, one of the artists who will be exhibiting at the Brighton Art Fair. The police and council’s Safe in the City team works with partners across the city and one of their areas of work is to improve local environments and bring neglected places back into use.
A new historical resource centre is under construction at Woollards Field, near Falmer. It will provide a home for all the archives and historical resources of East Sussex and Brighton & Hove and the special collections of the University of Sussex, including the internationally renowned Mass Observation Archive.
facilities. Learning and participation across all ages and every part of the community will be encouraged, including schools, colleges, universities, volunteers, community groups and organisations. The partners delivering the project are East Sussex County Council, Brighton & Hove City Council and the University of Sussex.
The building will also include the library and headquarters of the Sussex Family History Group.
Planning permission was granted for the proposal on 14 January 2011. Construction work commenced in October 2011 and The Keep will be open to the public in 2013.
The new building would be open to anyone who wants to use the public search rooms and
The East Sussex County Council website has more information regarding The Keep.
y historOUR ON doorstep he first serious proposal for a railway from London to Brighton was made as early as 1823, by William James. In 1825, a route via Dorking was suggested, while a plan by Sir John Rennie involved a more direct route via Cuckfield. Several other proposals were made but in 1836, a committee, advised by Captain Robert Alderson, recommended that a comprise of several different schemes was the most suitable. Consequently an Act was passed in 1837, authorising the London and Brighton Railway Company to construct a direct route with branches to both Shoreham and Newhaven. The city terminus was to be London Bridge Station - opened in 1836. The tracks of the London and Greenwich Company were used for the first two miles and from that point to Selhurst, trains would run on the London and Croydon Company's lines. South of Selhurst, a new line was to be constructed all the way to Brighton. The main line to London and the branches to Shoreham and Lewes were constructed by the London and Brighton Railway Company. However, owing to financial considerations, the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company was eventually formed by Parliament in 1846 by amalgamating the London
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The London to Brighton Railway and Brighton; London and Croydon; Croydon and Epsom; Brighton, Lewes, Hastings and the Brighton and Chichester railway companies into one. The London, Brighton and South Coast railway had 457 miles of track, covering most of Sussex and much of south London and Surrey when in 1923, it was amalgamated with many others to become the Southern Railway. This grouping lasted before it was nationalised as the Southern Region of British Railways in January 1948.
The first train set out for the City at 7am, and the first down train arrived in Brighton at 2pm. The arrival of the railway from London brought great changes to the town. A sharp population rise; the arrival of heavy industry plus large areas of housing development around the station and the Hanover area. The status of the visitor also changed as less affluent day-trippers came down from London in large numbers. Commuters to the capital used the trains right from the start and their numbers increased significantly with main line electrification in the 1930s. Construction of the new line Within a few years a non-stop service, commenced on March 1838. The first taking 1 hour 45 minutes was running track was laid at Hassocks in February and in 1843, third-class carriages were 1839, but it wasn't until July 1841 that introduced - uncovered until 1852. the line opened, and then only from The first excursion tickets were issued London to Haywards Heath with a in 1844 with return fares priced the connecting coach service to Brighton. same as singles. Five tunnels, all 25 feet wide and 25 Brighton subsequently attracted the feet high, were constructed at day-tripper and by 1853, there were Merstham, Balcombe, Haywards 12 trains a day from Brighton to Heath, Clayton and Patcham. The London, including a non-stop express three longest were lit by gas. The which did the journey in 80 minutes. owner of Patcham Place at the time, Electrification began in 1909 with an Major Paine, insisted on a tunnel overhead system from Victoria to through his land, rather than a cutting, London Bridge but when the Southern and the final stone was keyed in at an Railway was formed in 1923, elaborate ceremony in June 1841. a third-rail, 600-volt dc system was The north portal bears that date. chosen - as it is today. The line opened to Brighton itself in September 1841.
Artworks have been a feature on the 1930s building for the last few years, which has previously been decorated with art deco paintings and reproductions from the city’s museum and art galleries. Councillor Ben Duncan, lead member for community safety, said: “These colourful prints make a big difference to the feel of Gloucester Place and the old building. Looking after the environment makes areas safer and helps prevent disused buildings become a target for antisocial behaviour.” Janet Brooke said: “I love to discover secret views of Brighton and these prints that the council has chosen show some of the richness and variety of our city.” Stadium parking scheme to make it easier for residents and businesses The council is consulting on a scheme that aims to ease the parking problems residents and businesses have experienced during match days and events at the Amex Community Stadium. From 17 September to 26 October the council is consulting on residents’ parking zones for Coldean and Moulsecoomb. Four thousand households and businesses in those areas will be sent questionnaires about a proposal to implement a residents’ parking scheme on match days and during events. They can also take part via the website. It is proposed that resident and business permits would be free. Brighton & Hove Albion FC is funding the scheme as part of the planning permission granted for additional seating at the stadium.
What’s on! Some local events scheduled during the next few weeks.
Oct 07
Martiet's Men's Walk - Annual charity walk City Centre Oct 14 Brightona - Annual Motorcycle Event Madeira Drive Oct 20 Joan Rivers - An entertainment legend of unparalleled accomplishment and talent Brighton Centre Nov 04 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run This annual event commemorates the Emancipation Run of 14 November 1896. Nov 24 Rufus Wainwright and his Band Brighton Dome December Christmas Artists Open Houses (weekends) Explore around 100 houses across the city and see and buy the work of local artists. Dec 21 Burning the Clocks - Winter Solstice Parade Burning the Clocks, started in 1993, represents an alternative to the commercial Christmas.
Please note: It is advisable to check dates, times and venue before travelling as each event is planned well in advance.
Royal Wedding Dress Goes On Display At Brighton's Royal Pavilion
Hotel approved on former ice rink site
An historic royal wedding dress is now on show to the public until 10 March 2013, at Brighton's Royal Pavilion.
Plans for a new five-storey hotel on the site of a former ice rink in Queen Square near Brighton’s Clock tower - were approved by the city council’s planning committee in June. The scheme includes a restaurant and café space at lower ground floor level. The decision had proved a difficult one for the council because of its concerns about the hotel’s impact on nearby historic buildings and two neighbouring conservation areas. The grade 2 listed Wykeham Terrace, dating from the 1820s, and the 14-century St Nicholas church overlook the site. Under a planning agreement, developers would pay towards local training and employment schemes and guarantee a minimum of 20 per cent of the construction workforce would be local. There would be a substantial payment towards Sustainable Transport improvements in Queens Square and almost £25,000 for public art. The permission requires the building to meet the highest national sustainability standards the Breeam ‘excellent’ rating.
The silver gown, which belonged to Princess Charlotte of Wales, the daughter of George IV, will become the new centrepiece of an ongoing exhibition about Charlotte's life, called Charlotte, the Forgotten Princess. The dress is made from silk and silver thread. It is also decorated with lace, a fabric which, weight for weight, was more expensive than gold in the Georgian period. The dress has been lent by HM The Queen for the exhibition. The loan is part of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, managed by independent charity Historic Royal Palaces. Princess Charlotte of Wales was the nation's first people's princess and captured the hearts of the nation. Huge crowds turned out in London for her wedding to Prince Leopold Saxe-Coburg Gotha in 1816, but tragically she died in childbirth the year after at the age of just 21. Her death prompted a national outpouring of grief, drapers' shops ran out of black fabric, commemorative souvenirs were produced and the public mourning was exceeded only by that which followed the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Today, Princess Charlotte is all but forgotten and the exhibition, in the magnificent surroundings of her father's seaside residence, brings her story to life. The wedding dress is in a fragile state and previous conservation work has revealed that, while part of it is the original gown, it may also have been restored with one or two court dresses from the same period. Silk was very expensive at the time and it is believed some of the fabric from the wedding dress may have been cut up and made into small souvenir bags or re-used in a court costume. The dress has also undergone some recent specialist conservation by Historic Royal Palaces in preparation for display in the exhibition. Last year the dress was displayed for a media photocall of royal wedding dresses prior to Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding, but the gown has not been on general public display since 1997. Charlotte, the Forgotten Princess is organised by the Royal Pavilion and Museums, part of Brighton & Hove City Council which owns and runs the Royal Pavilion.
City College’s plumbing skills honoured with award Plumbing tutors from City College Brighton and Hove have had their skills in the fine art of sheet and cast lead work recognised recently by an award from the Worshipful Company of Plumbers Plumbing tutors from City College Brighton and Hove have had their skills in the fine art of sheet and cast lead work recognised recently by the Worshipful Company of Plumbers. The Lead Sheet Association Cup was awarded in recognition of the practical contribution that Jenni Wood, John Kempshall and Jimmy James have made over the years through offering practical demonstrations of their skills at the Plumbing Museum located at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum near Chichester. The museum was founded and is maintained by the Worshipful Company which hosts demonstrations of the art and craft of plumbing for the enjoyment and education of visitors.
"The Plumbing Museum does an amazing job in raising awareness of the history, heritage and craft of plumbing so we’ve been happy to be involved in the excellent work it does and are really honoured to receive this award", said Jenni. "Our plumbing tutors are highly regarded for their dedication in passing on their skills to the new generation of plumbers so its great to see their knowledge and expertise being recognised with this trophy", added Lynn Thackway, Principal of City College. For more information on Plumbing courses at City College, call course information on 01273 667759, email info@ccb.ac.uk or see www.ccb.ac.uk
Mayor Bill to support three local charities The Allsorts Youth Project, the Martlets Hospice and the Brighton Women’s Centre have been chosen by the Mayor, Councillor Bill Randall, as his charities for his mayoral year. Councillor Randall said: “I chose these three organisations from the many outstanding charities in Brighton & Hove because they contribute so much to the city. “Hardly anybody in Brighton and Hove is untouched by the work of The Martlets Hospice, which cares for more than 1,000 local people and their families a year. “The Brighton Women’s Centre has supported vulnerable and disadvantaged women in the city in a safe women-only space for 35 years and promotes their independence. It also provides an Ofsted registered preschool group. Its work is particularly important when women are suffering more than other groups from the effects of the recession. “I hope local people will show their customary generosity in helping me raise money to support these three outstanding charities and their work in the coming year at a time when other sources of funding are hard to come by. “I am glad to say that the University of Brighton Students’ Union is supporting our fund raising efforts, adding a new and fresh dimension to the work.”
Published by: Maslen Estate Agents Limited, 39 Lewes Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 3HQ. Tel: 01273 677001 Email: lewesroad@maslen.co.uk Web: www.maslen.co.uk Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication Maslen Estate Agents cannot be held responsible for any errors.