Changing townscape in a Conservation Area
We were asked to advise on the demolition of existing ‘lock-up’ buildings and the design of a two – three storey mixed use development with roof terrace.
The building is located within the East Cliff Conservation Area and in the vicinity of Grade listed II buildings at 8 and 9 Lower Rock Gardens and Chain Pier House at 46-49 Marine Parade. The properties along the eastern side of Rock Place, like the subject buildings, were associated with the larger townhouses on Lower Rock Gardens. This is indicated on historic ordnance survey maps.
Rock Place is still characterised by its historical service use, so Brighton had a particular design objective. The initial proposal to uniformly level-up the street and increase the overall scale of these buildings did not receive positive feedback. Therefore the scheme was revised to take into account the variation of building heights and the informal architecture of the buildings that create the distinctive character of this narrow street..
The success of the consented scheme rested on a scale, mass and detailing that was designed to be congruous to the character and appearance of Rock Place as a service street. This would result in a mews type design which reflects the character of the East Cliff Conservation Area.