Leading developer MRP has commenced construction of The Portland Building, a new £28m office scheme on the corner of Church Street and Portland Street in Brighton that will see the revitalisation of a site that has lain vacant for more than 20 years.
Designed by AJ100 architects, TODD Architects, the sustainable Grade A office development is being constructed by contractor Corramore on behalf of MRP. The scheme will create 30,000 sq ft of much needed high-quality EPC A-rated office space in North Laine.
The Portland Building adds to MRP’s investment footprint in the city following the completion of The Brinell Building and Cityview, delivering near 100,000 sq ft of new modern office accommodation in recent years, helping to meet the needs of the wider business community in Brighton.
Located just 500 metres from the promenade those working in the office will also be able to enjoy two terraces with views across Brighton towards the iconic seafront. The Portland Building will have exemplary sustainability and technological features and will be built to achieve a BREAAM Excellent rating and the RIBA2030 target for embodied carbon, making it one of Brighton’s most attractive new offices for environmentally conscious businesses. When constructed it will be complete with PV panels, a ‘green roof’ and two ‘green walls’ which help to encourage biodiversity and naturally help improve air quality.
The developer is also undertaking a Lifecycle Carbon Assessment and targeting a benchmark ‘A’ rating, whereby the scheme is predicted to be 31% more carbon efficient than a typical new build office.
Active travel was also key to its design and the building will be complete with a cycle ramp to a secure cycle storage area and changing facilities to provide a welcoming environment for those travelling to work by bicycle.
Welcoming the commencement of construction work, Mark Diamond, Senior Director at MRP comments: “MRP has a proven track record in delivering best-in-class, environmentally sustainable workspaces in cities across the UK and The Portland Building will deliver high-quality office space in Brighton.
“We are excited to bring forward this best-in-class office development and we are confident that when complete it will be a hub for sustainable and innovative businesses helping to support Brighton economy.
“MRP are long-standing investors in the city, having completed three major projects here in recent years, and we look forward to working in partnership with the business community and the city of Brighton as we work towards completion in Q4 of 2023.”
Emma Ormiston of SHW, letting agents for The Portland Building, commented:
“Brighton has seen a lack of Grade A office developments with most schemes being let prior to completion of the build and over the last 18 months demand has continued to increase as we are seeing a flight to quality by occupiers. We expect The Portland Building to be especially well received due to its central location and ESG credentials, presenting a real opportunity for occupiers to relocate to a first-class office building where they can thrive and grow.”
