The Circus Street development was designed to regenerate the former municipal market that had been derelict since 2005 and to transform the area into Brighton’s new Innovation Quarter – enhancing the city’s social, cultural and economic potential.
Positioned strategically in the heart of Brighton, the redevelopment is a partnership between U+I, Brighton & Hove City Council, University of Brighton and South East Dance. The development is set to be fully open for occupation in 2022.
A richly curated programme of ‘meanwhile’ activities were employed before and during construction, including large-scale events, art festivals, live performances, workshops, community group meetings, fun days, exercise classes, food waste collections and exhibitions. The combined programme brought just under 50,000 people into the area.
Measuring social value provided U+I with a robust basis to support investment and decision making.
In 2021 U+I asked RealWorth to assess the social value of the development as it was nearing completion. RealWorth analysed the social value created by looking at available data to determine how the development has affected and will affect people’s lives. A comparison report was produced which showed that the development has created, and will create, significant value for the people of Brighton.
