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.