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Local news…
New development planned for Kingsway A new development is planned for the south side of Kingsway, between the new “336” flats (next to the Gather Inn pub) and Pets Corner. Two large buildings, erected on sites in Aldrington Basin including Magnet’s warehouse, would rise from six to eleven storeys high above Kingsway. They would be separated by a gap opposite the end of Derek Avenue. Planning permission was granted in 2013 for a development of four to six storeys, known as PortZED; however, this was not built and the site owner is now working with Synergy Developments. The “Gateway Hove” proposals include: 172 homes in six to eleven storeys, comprising 24 studios, 65 one-bed apartments, 73 two-bed apartments and 10 three-bed apartments; 1,029m2 of office space; a roof-top restaurant; a café; a gym; a gallery space/visitor centre; 174 car parking spaces; and 192 cycle spaces. The scheme is designed in two zones, separated by a central publicly accessible space between the buildings allowing for views to the port area. The developers say that this central space will provide an area for a plinth where local artists could showcase their work. Synergy Developments are writing to around 2,000 local homes to seek the views of residents before submitting a planning application and residents will be able to complete an online questionnaire. They are creating a new website for information at www.gatewayhove.com. Following the consultation phase, Synergy Developments will be submitting a planning application in late summer / early autumn 2020. Subject to planning, works could commence in spring 2021 and will be
completed by late summer / autumn 2022. Consultation manager Scott Marshall said in a letter to the Kingsway and West Hove Residents’ Association: “Gateway Hove represents a significant opportunity to develop this outdated and under-used site into a first-class, mixed-use regeneration scheme.” However, some residents living opposite have expressed their shock at the proposals, which they say would look oppressive, be far too high and be likely to lead to huge loss of daylight and sunlight. The Chair of the Kingsway and West Hove Residents’ Association, Peter Reeves, said: “We welcome developments that are well-designed and appropriate to the surroundings. Whilst this proposal offers some appealing features, the feedback from local residents is overwhelmingly that it meets neither criterion. It is regarded as far too bulky as well as high and clashing with the long-established character of not just the neighbourhood but West Hove generally. As a Gateway its “office block” appearance is more suited to East Croydon. In short it is overbearing and out of place.” To contact the residents’ association, email kawhra@gmail.com.
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