The 101-year-old Imperial Arcade in Western Road, Brighton, used to be a “thriving hub for footfall” but has been lined with empty shops for years.
Brighton-based Moretons Investments announced earlier this year that it acquired the site last year and will look to transform it back to its former glory.
The company said it will transform the building back into an “exciting commercial space” with luxury flats above.
Two plans have now been submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council regarding the arcade’s rejuvenation.
One would see a first-floor retail unit turned into a two-bedroom flat above 12A and 14 with access from Dyke Road.
The other would see another first-floor retail unit above number 12 turned into a studio flat, with access from the ground floor unit.
Imperial Arcade was originally built on the site of a former brewery in 1923 and had 17 shops.
This reduced to eight after Western Road was widened.
One of the last businesses to leave was Café Arcadia which said the pandemic and other shops being empty were the reason for it closing.
The Argus previously reported on concerns about the arcade which had been left untouched for years.
Gary Farmer, who started a group called Save Imperial Arcade, said last May: “I remember it as a kid walking through it when there were shops, it was a thriving hub for footfall. It was a nice place to be.
“That’s all gone. It’s derelict, all you get in there is pigeons or people rough sleeping. People avoid it.
“It could be so much better with a little bit of thought or imagination. It’s a beautiful space but it’s a horror show. It’s scary.”
Following the acquisition of the site, Michael Blencowe, director of Moretons, said: “Once a prime space for boutique retail, Imperial Arcade has unfortunately experienced a decline over the years. However, with Moretons Investments, a Brighton-based property investor and developer at the helm, we are eager to revitalise this piece of Brighton real estate.
“We will be collaborating with architects, planners, the council and other professionals to ensure that the Imperial Arcade undergoes a transformation that benefits the local neighbourhood.”
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