Views sought on derelict Preston Barracks proposal

The former Ministry of Defence site in Lewes Road has become derelict

A public consultation is getting under way on possible options for the site of a derelict barracks in Brighton.

Preston Barracks was formally owned by the Ministry of Defence, and bought by Brighton and Hove City Council in 2002.

The council and the University of Brighton have put forward a proposal to create a comprehensive development spanning Lewes Road.

They want to build about 300 homes, shops, and offices, as well as a new business school with 750 student homes.

Plans could also include pedestrian and cycle links, improved linkages across Lewes Road, and a parkland walk to connect the adjoining residential areas with Moulsecoomb station.

An earlier scheme for homes and offices was abandoned in March 2009 when a fall in property prices made it unviable.

The consultation ends on 16 May, with drop-in exhibitions taking place at Mithras House, in Lewes Road, from 7-9 April, and at Hove Town Hall, in Norton Road, from 9-11 May.