11- 12 Rock Place, Brighton

Blog / October 12, 2022

 Seafront buildings & townscape in Conservation Area

We were asked to advise on the demolition of existing ‘lock-up’ buildings and the design of a 2-3 storey mixed-use development in its place.

The buildings are located within the East Cliff Conservation Area and in the vicinity of Grade listed II buildings on Lower Rock Gardens and Marine Parade. The properties along Rock Place may well have been associated with the larger townhouses to their rear on Lower Rock Gardens.

Rock Place is still characterised by its historical service use. Therefore, Brighton City viewed the manner of ad-hoc development, informal architecture and varied building heights (roof forms) as an important influence in future design. The Council  stated their support for a scheme that would add to the distinctive character of the narrow street.

On this occasion the initial proposal for uniform massing and additional scale did not receive positive feedback from the planners. So, the scheme was revised to take into account the variation of building heights and the informal architecture of the buildings that make a positive contribution to Rock Place.

Accordingly, the success of the consented scheme rested on a design and detailing that was congruous to the character and appearance of Rock Place as a service street / mews. This was viewed to reflect the character of the East Cliff Conservation Area.

11 – 12 Rock Place, Brighton

East Cliff Conservation Area, Brighton

We were tasked with advising on the demolition of the existing “lock-up” buildings and supporting the design of a two- to three-storey mixed-use development, complete with a roof terrace.

The site is located within the East Cliff Conservation Area, near Grade II listed buildings at 8 and 9 Lower Rock Gardens, as well as Chain Pier House at 46-49 Marine Parade. Properties along the eastern side of Rock Place, including the subject buildings, were historically linked to the larger townhouses on Lower Rock Gardens, as shown on historic ordnance survey maps.

Rock Place still retains its historic service-oriented character, which led to a specific design brief for the project. The initial proposal to uniformly level the street and increase the overall scale of the buildings received negative feedback. As a result, the design was revised to better respect the variation in building heights and the informal architecture that gives this narrow street its distinctive character.

The success of the approved scheme was based on a careful balance of scale, massing, and detailing, ensuring that the design harmonized with the unique character of Rock Place as a service street. This approach led to a mews-style design that reflects the charm of the East Cliff Conservation Area.

Exit mobile version