TWENTIETH CENTURY

Brighton began the twentieth century as an internationally renowned popular resort and ended it as an equally distinguished conference centre, although still successfully retaining its seaside character. Hove, in contrast, rejected candy floss popularity, defining itself as "a residential town by the sea". In 1997 however, the two towns merged under a Unitary Authority.

Architecturally, the century spawned a vast number of new buildings; banks, cinemas, offices, shopping malls, high rise flats and council estates. The new buildings followed national and even occasionally international styles rather than using the local vernacular.These have suffered from the vagaries of fashion, and in many cases have come and gone within a half century. Exceptionally lavish “super” cinemas, built between the Wars, such as the Regent and the Odeon were demolished in the Sixties. Banking Halls and Building Societies built in prime shopping streets in the early years of the century in “Bankers’ Classic” style, stone built to last, are now mostly restaurants. Theme pubs also changed to suit current fashion, but the “King and Queen” in Marlborough Place, world-class in its own way, survives in all its extravagant fantasy.

Central slum clearance schemes, both between the Wars and post-war, led to the building of “Garden City” style communities in the outer suburbs, and then, when these seemed to fail, bleak high-rise flats back in the centre. In the Sixties a new sensitivity to the value and character of the traditional central areas spawned an increasingly powerful conservationist movement which fought against insensitive redevelopment. These new organisations were led by The Regency Society which had campaigned against the destruction of the Brighton and Hove heritage since 1946.Brighton Square (1966), designed to help revitalise The Lanes, was a pioneering example of sensitive reconstruction.

From between the wars, individual building reflected the international, streamlined, functional Modern style. Embassy Court, Saltdean Lido, bus stations and garages exhibited the trademark smooth clean lines, horizontal fenestration and a total absence of traditional ornament. After the Second war Sussex University, built in soft red brick and concrete in parkland, reflected the new sensitivity to setting and human scale. In the Sixties also Brighton acquired skyscrapers; Sussex Heights, Chartwell Court and Bedford Towers proved to be more than enough for Brighton to swallow. Hove also acquired rows of tall apartment blocks marching up Grand Avenue and spreading along the sea front, block after block.

In the last quarter century the pace slowed, but demand for office space created new landmarks such as American Express and numerous undistinguished blocks of “shoe box” structures. Reclaimed foreshore at Blackrock, enclosed by a massive seawall bastion became a Marina, but has proved to be more of a residential, commercial and entertainment centre. Elsewhere along the sea front much has been restored and improved. A balance of tradition and innovation has infused a new vitality into the traditional seaside heart of Brighton and Hove.

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