Professor Julian Crampton, Vice-Chancellor of the Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯, said: "The Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ has worked closely with the City Council and Cathedral Group to create a comprehensive plan for the development of the whole of the Preston Barracks and adjacent land, owned by the Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯. The development incorporates a range of uses from residential accommodation and student residences, to space for a new university academic building and innovation space for the university and business to work closely together.
"This is a very exciting proposal for the city and for the Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ – one which will create a permeable and attractive location which generates jobs and economic benefit to the city, and one which will alleviate pressure on the private housing market."
Richard Upton, Chief Executive of Cathedral Group (Holdings) Ltd, said: "We are very proud to be starting work on our second major site in Brighton, one of the most forward thinking and creative cities in the UK. This is a major development project and will create a new gateway to the city from the north, further establishing the University at the centre of Brighton's economic life.
"Working in partnership with the Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ and Brighton & Hove City Council, we want this development to be at the forefront of attracting enterprising and hi-growth companies and increased international investment into Brighton and Hove.
"Work will now begin on site immediately to set the stage for the upcoming programme of spectacular events planned for the next two years."
Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council Jason Kitcat said: "This is the result of a great deal of work between the three partners to develop one of our city's biggest brownfield sites. The huge potential of this hard work between partners has been recognised by government through both the Greater Brighton City Deal and now the regional Growth Deal. The Preston Barracks development will deliver hundreds of good homes, while the student accommodation will ease pressures on family homes. Hundreds of jobs will be created and we will radically improve the appearance of this key gateway to the city whilst supporting the Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯’s future success."