The future? An artist's impression of the proposed Falmer stadium.
The prospect of a football stadium at Falmer moved a step closer this week (24 July) with the government's decision to grant planning approval.
Brighton & Hove Albion FC must now secure the necessary £50m funding and tie up deals with landowners including Brighton & Hove City Council and the University of Brighton. This preparatory work could take between six and 12 months. The club hope to start construction work on site in autumn 2008, with the aim of playing at Falmer from the start of the 2010-11 season.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alasdair Smith, said: "We welcome the fact that a planning decision has finally been reached. We will be working closely with the football club and the city council, along with the University of Brighton, to ensure that the interests of our students and staff are best served as the project goes forward. The primary consideration continues to be the needs of Sussex students and staff."
The University is most directly concerned with issues in relation to the arrangements for transport management, not least because existing campus car parks would be made available, under carefully negotiated and managed terms.
If the stadium goes ahead a new access road to the University from the existing spur in Stanmer Park will provide a new entrance and exit to the campus, improving daily traffic flow for staff, students and visitors.
Both of these matters concerning transport - alongside many other issues - are formal conditions of the planning permission.
The University will also keep a close eye on developments to ensure that new elements are not proposed that alter the nature and character of the scheme.
There are therefore many issues that the University will be engaged on in discussion with the club and the local council. The Registrar & Secretary has established a small team to lead work, including staff from Estates, Student Services and Finance.
For background information, see www.sussex.ac.uk/falmerstadium.