Brighton seafront project set for approval

Plans to breathe new life into a former lido site on Brighton’s seafront – which includes revamping grade II-listed structures – are set to be approved.The Black Rock site in Kemp Town has been derelict for 40 years.The main elements of the scheme include infrastructure works to create a route running east from Madeira Drive to connect with the Black Rock site and Brighton Marina.An existing sea wall is earmarked for replacement, while the Black Rock site would be decontaminated.Under the plans the grade II-listed Old Reading Room and The Temple would also be restored, making them available for future use, potentially as a shop, food and drink space.The application is seeking their change of use to flexible class use A1, A3, D1 or D2.Pedestrian and cycle routes would also be improved, along with the creation of a temporary events space.A new pedestrian link would be created from the Volk’s Workshop at Duke’s Mound via a beach boardwalk.The project was unveiled by Brighton & Hove City Council in 2019 and is set to be given the green light by its planning committee next week (10 June 2020).