The construction company will build the seven-storey, concrete-framed workspace (pictured above) and strive to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.

The building will provide a variety of flexible workspaces, as well as prototyping facilities, events spaces and a landscaped roof garden.

“Our main objective is to create a high-quality commercial building that will attract enterprising, high-growth companies to the area,” said Rob Joyce, development director at GRAHAM Construction.

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“We will work closely with U+I and the project team to ensure that it provides a range of functioning spaces that are tailored to the needs of the individuals using it, while fostering entrepreneurship and excellence in innovation.”

Construction of the 50,000 sq ft building will mark the first phase of the specialist regeneration and property developer’s Preston Barracks redevelopment in Brighton.

The £200m project has been designed by Studio Egret and tp bennett and will include 369 new homes, 534 student beds, shops, cafes and workshops.

Sarah Chitty, development manager at U+I, said it was delighted to be underway with the construction of Preston Barracks.

“We’re proud to be working with GRAHAM on the first phase of the project.

“[Its] commitment to supporting local communities and economies is closely aligned to our own vision to create long-lasting benefits for the places in which we work.

“This building will provide much-needed flexible office space for growing businesses and start-ups that will ultimately boost the business economy of the city.” 

Construction of the building is expected to be completed by the end of 2019 and will be part-funded by Coast to Capital, a local enterprise partnership.