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Two Grade II listed Georgian townhouses are set to be transformed into student accommodation in Brighton. The £4 million project will see the buildings, located at 52-53 Old Steine, Brighton, converted into 33 student rooms. It's currently disused office space, but could be restored to its original residential purpose.
The project is being led by Bloom Construction, with Able Partners appointed as the lead designer. Townhouses will be merged with unlisted office space, and will include a contemporary design and sustainability measures. The site is located within the Valley Gardens Conservation Area, one of Brighton’s most historically and architecturally significant streetscapes.
Bill Webb, CEO and co-founder of Able Partners, said: "We’re delighted to have been appointed to use our vast experience in the commercial refurbishment sector to ensure that empty office space in the heart of Brighton is sensitively returned to residential purpose. "Respecting local heritage is always a priority for our team, but particularly for a project steeped in such rich local history. Old Steine from Mj Arthur Clifton's House Source (Image: Regency Society Images) "That’s why we intend to preserve as much of the internal layout as possible, restoring historical features such as the staircases, joinery and decorative elements, while ensuring a limited impact on the exterior of both buildings.
" The project will also include sustainable interventions to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. This will include the installation of air source heat pumps and photovoltaics. Tom O’Toole, managing director of Bloom Construction, said: "This is exactly the kind of project where this team really comes into its own — a complex retrofit that calls for creativity, care, and collaboration.
"Working closely with our long-term partners at Able Partners, we’ve built a programme that’s flexible enough to respond to discoveries as we peel back the layers of these townhouses, while also staying sharply focused on delivery dates and client value. "It’s a balance of precision and imagination — and that’s where we all thrive." The refurbished rooms will be generous in size, with some accommodating en-suites and kitchen space.
The buildings will also feature a communal area, dining area, games room, and bike store, along with other shared amenities. The project team will ensure that 52-53 Old Steine will continue to play an active role in Brighton’s architectural and social landscape for generations to come. Planning permission was granted to developer Jensco Group in July 2024.
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