Frank Gehrys stunning plans unveiled for the King Alfred project on Hove seafront
Karis Holdings, a joint venture between ING Real Estate Development UK and Karis Developments, has unveiled its final plans for the redevelopment of the dilapidated and partially derelict 4.2 acre site, which are to be submitted to Brighton & Hove Council.
The 290 million King Alfred project is a mixed-use scheme, which is being acclaimed as one of the most significant developments in Britain for the last thirty years.
The impressive landmark project will deliver a state-of-the-art Indoor Sports and Swimming Centre and provide 754 homes, including 282 affordable homes in a spectacular development on Brighton & Hove seafront.
The outstanding £46m sports centre development will provide the City with a much bigger, better, modern facility delivering leisure activities at affordable prices for local people. The cost of the sports centre is funded by the enabling residential development and will be guaranteed by ING Real Estate and Karis.
The residential development includes two towers of 21 and 25 storeys positioned either side of the sports centre with further accommodation ranged in a perimeter of buildings of between 8 to 11 storeys. The perimeter buildings are positioned to both allow views through the site including views of the sea from adjacent streets and also to create public open spaces and piazzas with direct access through the site to the promenade and the beach.
In his spectacular design Frank Gehry has captured the spirit, character and freedom of expression of Brighton & Hove. His reference points have been the city’s architecture, geography, diverse cultural population and, of course, its rich history. In particular he has drawn from the historical references of Victorian women in flowing dresses promenading along the seafront in the design of the two signature towers. The movement captured his imagination and is reflected in the sculptural form of the towers.
The project has also broken new ground in the exhaustive consultation process undertaken to develop the design, especially the sports facilities. Not only was a special independent development advisory group of key interest groups and stakeholders set up to review the progress of the design but also hundreds of special interest groups have been consulted to ensure that the final design matches the needs of the community at large.
Siep Hoeksma joint Managing Director of ING Real Estate Development commenting on the unveiling said: “This is truly a landmark project for Brighton which will have international status. We have been thrilled to have worked again with Frank Gehry, undoubtedly the world’s most inventive architect, to deliver not only a spectacular design but also a scheme which delivers so many tangible benefits for the people of Brighton and Hove as a whole.”
Josh Arghiros, Chief Executive of Karis Developments, also commented: “This is such an exciting moment to be able to submit such a stunning plan to the Council. The proposal have more than met the tough development brief in such a remarkable way. The design team of Frank Gehry supported by HOK Sport and all the other top class consultants are to be congratulated for giving a the City a scheme that will put us on the map internationally and provide the very best sports facilities and a truly wonderful place to live.”
Antony Gormley, the UK’s leading sculptor famous for his ‘Angel of the North’, and Frank Gehry are now ready to start working together to develop ideas for public works of art for the site.
Brighton & Hove Council will now consider the plans and a decision is expected in early 2006.
