Congratulations to Brighton Youth Centre submitted by Lewis and Co Planning

The Brighton Youth Centre redevelopment is a masterclass in adaptive reuse and collaborative planning. By evolving a dated 1950s structure into a modern "3D canvas" for youth expression, the project achieves a reduction in carbon emissions while providing world-class sports and creative facilities. Planners navigated complex topography and heritage constraints to secure unanimous political support and a "No Objection" from key statutory bodies. This scheme sets a new benchmark for sustainable urban intensification, demonstrating how proactive planning can turn aging community assets into inclusive, environmentally-aligned landmarks that prioritise the health and wellbeing of the next generation. 

The judges were impressed by this strong and socially valuable urban youth project, which provided clear evidence of planning-led problem solving and a strong focus on the needs and experiences of its end users.

The Brighton Youth Centre (BYC) project involved the refurbishment of a tired 1950s concrete building, alongside the addition of a contemporary brick extension. This approach successfully embodies the principles of reducing waste and minimising the use of construction resources through the reuse and enhancement of existing structures. While the design is deliberately functional, it makes a positive and distinctive statement through the striking and colourful graffiti mural adorning the refurbished building. The judges particularly welcomed the use of a planning condition to retain a "blank canvas" for future artwork, allowing the building to continue evolving alongside its users and community.

External spaces have been transformed to support multifunctional and inclusive use. The judges were particularly impressed by the first-floor terrace, which has been designed to accommodate a future building extension while, in the meantime, providing an attractive and flexible space for play, events and social activities.

Internally, the scheme demonstrates a commendable and creative rehabilitation of the existing building. Larger pre-existing spaces, including the unique indoor skate park, have been sensitively modernised and refreshed, while the extension provides a range of well-designed, welcoming spaces that support a diverse programme of youth activities.

The approach to community engagement throughout the planning process was exemplary, with innovative methods used to communicate and engage with neighbours and stakeholders. The judges were impressed by the project's clear vision and wider impact. The submission's assertion that BYC sets a new standard for how cities can support their young people, and that lessons learned from the project can be applied to other urban regeneration schemes, was not considered overstated and was wholeheartedly endorsed by the judging panel.

This is an outstanding project that demonstrates how planning, design and community engagement can come together to create a lasting positive impact for future generations.