THE CITY COUNCIL HAVE APPROVED THE SALE OF A LONG LEASE OF PATCHAM PLACE TO KINGSPAN, A LOCAL BUILDING COMPANY FOR USE AS OFFICES. An application for change of use would be required and is awaited. The Council’s Heritage Team has produced a Conservation & Design Briefing Note for the building.

THIS IS GOOD NEWS. There is likely to be space for smaller firms and rooms for the community to rent. The Preston & Old Patcham Society have always considered that offices were the best use for Patcham Place as the conversion would do the least damage to the interior of the building, unlike a hotel with many bathrooms and lots of plumbing. Small start-up offices are also a good idea, we do not have enough of them in Brighton and they encourage new businesses to establish themselves.

Patcham Place, grade II* listed, is now in the South Downs National Park. It has been empty since 2007 when the Youth Hostels Association’s lease expired, except for a temporary occupier Camelot Property Management.

The Council now propose to lease the building for a number of years. It is most suitable for office space which would do least damage to the interior which is protected by the listing.