Thoughtfully Reduced, Skilfully Amended
Plan’s Approved Brighton Youth Centre
Scaled back plans for the renovation of a vibrant youth centre have now been published and granted full planning consent. Brighton Youth Centre originally aimed to demolish the existing structure on Edward Street and construct an entirely new five-storey building. This proposed new structure would have featured an eye-catching design by Alter Architects, clad with golden fluted perforated aluminium panels and highlighted by irregularly placed windows that would create a dynamic visual effect. However, the centre is now gained permission to change and extend the current building instead, which includes more regularly placed windows and a refined painted brick facade that enhances its appeal while maintaining a connection to the existing community.
“The scheme has evolved from the previous application and, although council officers and consultees were ultimately in support of the application, the amended application positively addresses and responds to officers’ comments of high quality adaptive design”
CMK Planning - Planning and Design Brighton
Innovative Plan Provide An Adaptive Design
Investing In Future of Young People
The overall scale of the building has been thoughtfully reduced, and the design has been skilfully amended, resulting in a highly refined and cohesive scheme. The new community centre is currently being constructed with the support of two substantial grants totaling £6.6 million – specifically, £2.3 million from the local council and an additional £4.3 million from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, sourced through the Youth Investment Fund. The innovative new plan preserves the gym and music rooms situated on the ground floor, while also incorporating a dedicated youth club space and a modern kitchen area on the upper ground floor. Furthermore, offices will continue to occupy the first floor, and an enlarged skate park will be prominently featured on the second floor, complete with a new lift and stair core for improved accessibility.
Firmly Rooted In Environmental Conscious Design
A Home For Youth Work
Brighton Youth Centre originally began its journey as Brighton Boy’s Club in 1917, situated on John Street, which was then referred to as St John Street. Following its inception, the service later transitioned to a purpose-built youth club located in Edward Street, where it became a welcoming space for girls and young women starting in 1977. In the present day, the youth centre provides an extensive array of activities and essential services tailored for children and young people aged five to 19, with a significant emphasis on engaging teenagers—particularly those within the critical 13 to 19 age group. By utilising and thoughtfully adapting the existing structure of the building, the centre promotes a more comprehensive sustainable building proposal that is firmly rooted in an environmentally conscious approach, benefiting both the community and minimizing the overall environmental impact - sustainable architecture Brighton.
