While the government has backtracked on its policy of favouring commercial conversion to residential use, the market has made its own decision.
In some cases the rise in office rents obviates conversion but also, as is apparently the case in Bromley, the loss of office space is pushing rents up and making new development more attractive. In the long run the provision of Grade A space in the south east is vital as the economy grows.
At least the development climate has improved significantly, as can be seen in Brighton and Dover. Both coastal locations are to see worthwhile schemes covering commercial and leisure.
As yet the size of the Dover project to revive the Western Docks area is not completely known, but it is certain to be large given the size of the port’s commercial activities. After all it handles £100 billion a year.
In the case of Brighton it is to get a landmark 160 metre tower on a special site overlooking the sad remains of the West Pier. This is a symbol for Brighton, but so is Redevco’s project for the Hanningtons Estate which will extend Brighton’s landmark Lanes.
Perhaps the most interesting concept is Elliott Lipton’s idea of developments that link office space in Victoria, London to residential accommodation in Brighton, recognising the attractions of living in a coastal city. That is possible because of a good train service.