Marina progress

West Quay from the east.

The first phase of the Brunswick development at the Marina is nearing completion. They are up to 6 storeys higher than the existing blocks along the waterfront but the height effect is somewhat mitigated by the stepping back of the upper storeys. It also appears that the top storeys are being finished in grey which will also help to make them less conspicuous compared with the white lower parts with the marina-turquoise balconies.

The lowest storey is dedicated to shops and restaurants. When finished the development will greatly increase pedestrian access to the West Quay and to a proposed pedestrian footbridge across the harbour entrance.

Existing apartments along the waterfront.

See also:- The Changing Marina

How Brighton Station was saved.

LETTERS TO EDITOR: Brilliant Brighton? Questions over the demolition of Brighton Station in Argus account

To Letters Editor, Civic Brighton platform

In the no. 112 Scenic station in the series ‘Brilliant Brighton’ (Argus 24.February) the writer has made a series of mistakes

The final sentence reads: “The plans to demolish [Brighton] station in the 1970s and replace it with a hotel helped rally Brighton’s Regency Society which went on to save North Laine and countless other buildings.“ The then secretary of the Regency Society, Anthony Dale, considered Brighton Station to be an ugly building and not worth preserving.

It was then that the Brighton Society (not the Regency Society which had been formed soon after World War 2), was formed and was successful in getting the station listed, which is why you see such a handsome building today. Another group which was active in saving the station was SOS (Save Our Station) who demonstrated that the plan to cover the site with a major office development was in fact illegal.

I am not aware that the Regency Society played any role in saving North Laine, which was threatened by a major overhead motor way. In those days the Regency Society was only interested in saving what they considered to be grand buildings.

no 59 in ‘Brilliant Brighton’ states that ‘Brighton councillors may have built terrible tower blocks . . . but the poverty in central Brighton . . . was terrible’. How does building tower blocks cure poverty, poor conditions perhaps, but not poverty?

It is worth noting that the tower blocks on Albion Hill do not house any more people than the terrace houses they replaced. Shortly after the tower blocks were built they were considered unsuitable for children. The Hanover area was next on the list for wholesale demolition, but today it is a much sought after area in which to live.

Selma Montford
Hon Secretary The Brighton Society since 1974

Travellers in Preston Park

A group of about 12 vans and associated vehicles have moved from Hollingbury golf-course  to the north-east corner of Preston Park. Those who adopt this alternative life-style could perhaps be regarded as helping to solve the housing shortage; but the general tax-paying public would look more kindly on them if they were subject to the same laws as everyone else. Needless to say there was not a parking warden in sight.

It is difficult to imagine that completion of the Horsdean site will make much difference. The number of caravans in the city far exceeds the 39 pitches being provided and at a charge of at least £60 a week why would any travellers willingly exile themselves to the city's boundaries when they have become accustomed to using parks and open spaces for free?

Valentine's Day concert

Melvyn Tan, pianist, taking applause at the conclusion of Chopin's Piano Concerto No.3

The Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra enjoyed a record house for the 5th concert in its 91st season.  This was no doubt partly due to the programme being specially chosen for Valentine's day and partly to it being a fine dry Sunday. There were long queues at the box-office.

The event was further distinguished by Barry Wordsworth, the conductor, during a particularly passionate section of Scherezade, losing his baton. This sailed in a graceful arc into the 2nd violins. Barry continued unperturbed. No one was injured during the incident.

Other works included were Berlioz/Weber; Spectre du la Rose / Invitation to the Dance and Mascagni; Intermezzo.

I Charleston Brighton Official Film