Work Begins On Brighton Marina

Early foundation-work has started on what will be Brighton's next tower, the Roaring Forties at Brighton Marina.

The 128 metre tall, 40 floor building has been designed in traditional Brighton white by Wilkinson Eyre Architects for Brunswick Developments and gone through a protracted planning battle to get approval that lasted several years.

It's the centrepiece of the scheme that will provide 853 new homes, retail, leisure, and other local amenities that befit the status of the location as one of the most potentially promising commercial sites in Brighton.

A swing bridge, also designed by Wilkinson Eyre, is included in the plan that will open up the sea wall of the marina as a new pedestrian route giving plenty of cold wet fun for walkers during storms.

Construction work is currently centred around digging boreholes a massive 50 metres deep to act as support for the platform that the tower will rest on. Although cavernous by most standards, it is wise to remember the tower is literally out to sea sitting on the very edge of the marina away from land, hence the need for such unusual support.

The prices for one bedroom flats in the tower are expected to start at around £275,000 with two bed ones going for £400,000 - a substantial mark up compared to other similar property in Brighton and a great example of the demand there is to live there.

The developer already claims that they have interest in 170 apartments despite no flats being released. Those eager to live in the Marina might have to wait a while as the first phase will issue 192 apartments, 62 of which are going to be affordable accommodation for the Guiness Trust.

Completion is set for some time in 2011.