Construction has started at U+I’s mixed-use regeneration scheme, Circus Street in Brighton, after funding was secured for the delivery of the project with GCP Student Living plc.

The £130m project, which is a public private partnership between U+I and Brighton & Hove City Council, will see a derelict, former fruit and vegetable market in central Brighton transformed into a thriving new quarter and cultural destination for the city.

The development includes 142 new homes; 450 student bedrooms; 30,000 sq ft of new office space plus workshops offering creative businesses start up accommodation plus it will create over 400 jobs.

Richard Upton, Deputy Chief Executive of U+I, said: "This is a major milestone for our Circus Street regeneration project and for Brighton at large. This truly mixed-use project will transform a long-overlooked site, creating a vibrant new place and bringing substantial cultural and socio-economic benefits to this creative and energetic city. We are thrilled to be underway with construction, moving closer to fulfilling our ambition to deliver for Brighton a meaningful regeneration project that will revitalise the local area."

British firm Henry Construction has been appointed as contractor due to them offering local jobs and apprenticeships for young people on the construction side.

Warren Morgan, Brighton & Hove City Council leader, said: "It is great to see progress continuing on this important scheme in the heart of the city. Many people stand to benefit from the new homes, jobs and business spaces, alongside new community and cultural facilities."

Piling has started and the majority of the buildings on site will complete in 2019.