Farewell to Anston House: Brighton’s ‘Ugliest Building’?
The three towers currently under construction will replace Anston House, a structure once famously dubbed “Brighton’s ugliest building,” which had been left abandoned for over three decades.
A Decades-Long Abandonment
Constructed back in the 1960s, Anston House was deserted in 1987, leaving it to decay and stand as a solemn reminder of its own existence for passers-by.
An Unwanted Relic: A Tale of Neglect
Anston House, a towering relic from the 1960s, was widely acknowledged as the least aesthetically pleasing building in Brighton and had been left to languish for more than 30 years.
A History of Failed Redevelopment
A glimpse into its history unveils a tale of failed redevelopment plans, ill-fated development attempts, and discontented locals.
From Art to Despair: Attempts to Improve Its Image
Built in 1969, Anston House has remained deserted since 1987, falling into a state of disrepair over the years. Frequently adorned with broken windows and covered in graffiti, it’s safe to say that the building wasn’t well-loved by the community.
A Call for Action: Unsuccessful Proposals
In an effort to improve its appearance, art students from Brighton College covered the broken windows with artwork and self-portraits back in 2003, but this did little to alter the building’s infamous reputation. Mr. Smith had proposed a compulsory purchase of the property to finally address the issue, but his efforts proved fruitless.
Brighton’s Redevelopment: One Preston Park Takes Shape
Smith bemoaned the existence of Anston House and expressed concerns about its negative impact on the city. In 2006, he remarked, “That is the worst eyesore in the whole of Brighton. What impression does that give of the city if people come to spend money here?”
A New Beginning: One Preston Park Development
Construction on the One Preston Park development is visibly underway, with work being carried out on the outer walls of some of the tower floors, following the commencement of construction in the autumn of last year.
Affordable Housing and Economic Impact
These tower blocks, each soaring up to 15 storeys high, will ultimately comprise a total of 229 flats upon completion. Brighton and Hove City Council granted planning permission for this project in 2020, and the demolition of Anston House, described by a councillor as a “blot on the landscape,” began in March of the following year.
Out of the 229 flats being constructed, approximately 30 will be designated as affordable homes, with some rents expected to be set at 80 per cent of the local market rates.
Economic Boost: The Potential of the Development
The development has the potential to provide a £140 million boost to the local economy, as suggested by an economic analysis.
