Graham Construction has been selected to build a new commercial hub for start-up and SME businesses in Brighton.

The 50,000 sq ft facility, which will form part of the £200 million Preston Barracks project, will be built over seven storeys and provide a variety of flexible workspaces, as well as prototyping facilities, events spaces and a landscaped roof garden for small businesses and start-ups.

The project is part-funded by Coast to Capital, a Local Enterprise Partnership, and completion is scheduled for the end of 2019.

The commercial hub marks the first phase of Preston Barracks, a significant mixed-use regeneration scheme that will radically transform this part of Brighton.

Designed by architects Studio Egret and tp bennett, the multi-million pound project will include 369 new homes, 534 student beds, shops, cafes and workshops. The wider masterplan, which encompasses two of the University of Brighton sites, will also provide further student accommodation and academic facilities. It is estimated the whole masterplan will deliver over 1,500 new jobs and bring £281 million into Brighton & Hove's economy over the next decade.

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Sarah Chitty, Senior Development Manager at developer U+I, said: "We are excited to be underway with the construction of Preston Barracks, delivering a project that will breathe new life into a derelict site, and will support the economy, academic life and growth of Brighton. We're proud to be working with GRAHAM on the first phase of the project. Their commitment to supporting local communities and economies is closely aligned to our own vision to create long lasting benefits for the places in which we work. This building will provide much needed flexible office space for growing businesses and start-ups that will ultimately boost the business economy of the city."

Rob Joyce, Development Director at Graham, said: "Our main objective is to create a high-quality commercial building that will attract enterprising, high-growth companies to the area. We will work closely with U+I and the project team to ensure that it provides a range of functioning spaces that are tailored to the needs of the individuals using it, while fostering entrepreneurship and excellence in innovation."

(LM/MH)