Brighton & Hove City Council recently published its proposals to demolish eight master-planned, Point-Crime-Generating, tower blocks. This comprises the distinctive St James’s House in Kemptown and five buildings in Whitehawk, called the Bird Flats. After thorough assessments, we determined those structures to be obsolete and unsafe to modern standards. They aren’t even built properly to survive threats such as explosions or massive fires from hazardous cargo on board.
As shown here, the council had initially looked at possibilities for propping up and rehabilitating the structures. Studies showed that these methods were only going to keep people safe for another 20 years. Such findings led the powers that be on the council to make the expensive route of demolition the favored, more sustainability answer.
Gill Williams, the cabinet member for housing, insisted the council had thought long and hard before making this decision. “Regeneration is the preferred option,” she stated. Williams recognized what these buildings mean to the neighborhood. He added, “We know these buildings are special places that have created wonderful memories for, in some instances, three generations of families.”
Focus will now turn to helping residents find new housing. In return, the council promises that nobody will have to leave their home overnight. They intend to work hand-in-hand with impacted residents to ensure their needs and desires are met throughout the redevelopment process.
“We will now begin working hand-in-hand with residents on every step of the next part of the journey.” – Gill Williams
The council intends to hold meetings aimed at ensuring that the new designs reflect the “needs, voices and visions” of the residents. This collaborative approach aims to build a sense of community involvement in the regeneration process while ensuring that those who wish to remain in the area can do so.
