Brighton Square proposals

Strada Trading Ltd. have applied to erect a poycarbonate & laminated timber  pavilion in Brighton Square (see BH2017/03651) to provide covered restaurant space. 

The design would not be unattractive in a more spacious public park but here it would severely restrict circulation within the Square and deprive the Old Town of one of its few public open spaces. One also fears for the susceptibility of the panels to vandalism.

The proposal also requires the reconstruction and repositioning of the Dolphin Fountain which, it seems, would also prohibit unobstructed views of it from the surrounding walkways.

New restaurant for Hanningtons Lane

Surprise, surprise, the new Hanningtons Lane will include a new restaurant. It is shown above adjacent to Puget's Cottage giving views towards Brighton Place in one direction and along the new lane in another. From this picture it appears that a 'green wall' is being considered for the south elevation of Puget's Cottage; perhaps to foil so-called graffiti artists.

Talks are underway with prospective operators of the restaurant.

Site of the restaurant - no.7 (light green)

Watch this space

The Pagoda Chinese restaurant.

When this converted Thames lighter in the Marina, was the Pagoda Chinese restaurant it had a pan-tiled pitched roof. After the restaurant closed last year the tiles, presumably of some value, were stripped off. It looked a sorry sight.

Now it has been given a new flat roof and other work appears to be in progress. 

A banner on the roof.

What it is going to be is anybody's guess.

#mystoryatthemarina

An idea for the winter seafront?

Photo Evening Standard

Giant “igloos” have sprung up on the banks of the Thames near Tower Bridge today just in time for winter. 

The three-and-a-half-metre wide dining and party venues are made from PVC and come complete with sheepskin blankets and heaters.

The eight huts sit on the south-facing riverside terrace of Coppa Club restaurant and bar in Lower Thames Street, with views of the bridge, HMS Belfast and the Tower of London. Full article.

The 'Skylight' proposal

15 years ago the Opticon, the Moshi Moshi building in gloomy Bartholomew Square, received a Civic Trust commendation for design quality and positive impact on urban space. Its longevity is an indicator of its success. The owners have now come up with a novel proposal for overcoming lack of space for expansion. A recently filed planning application BH2015/001149 proposes a restaurant in the sky - 'The Skylight'.

This involves the construction of circulation/access tower from the existing restaurant to a new high level pavilion, with a bright copper cladding, which spans the space from the tower to the roof of Bartholomew House. 

The orientation of the pavilion, of lightweight construction, is approximately north-west so that the far end looms over the junction of Prince Albert  and Black Lion Streets as shown below. Although I have used the word 'looms' (for want of a better) the applicants prefer to liken the pavilion to an elegant, lightweight lantern floating amongst the roof-tops. Interestingly this appears to be the only location in the Lanes from which the construction will be at all obtrusive.

The new restaurant will be organised into three dining spaces; the north-west area, visible above, with views to the Downs, a south-east facing lounge with views towards the Pier, and in between, a central area clustered around an Open Kitchen and with views of the City and sea.

Brighton seems to be 'looking-up' generally.

Architects - Michael Spooner, London