Developing The Keep is a complex project with a lot of different stages to pass before it can be completed. Once we've finished all of this work, the building will be open to the public in 2013.
Stages of the project
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has an ‘Outline Plan of Work' to organise the development process into 10 stages (A to L).
What we've done so far
- Detailed designs – drawn up by Atkins architects in partnership with the contractors, Kier Longley.
- Public consultations – from 26 April to 28 May 2010 to ask for your feedback on the project and the designs. We have analysed the results and made some improvements in response to your comments.
- Access Workshop – asked local disability groups and organisations about our designs. We also looked at how we can continue to work together so that The Keep is fully accessible for deaf and disabled people.
- Activity plan and business plan – building on our earlier audience development and access plan work.
- Planning application – submitted to the Local Planning Authority in October 2010. Our application was approved in December, and we've agreed our 'pre-commencement planning conditions': Brighton & Hove City Council Planning Register (see ‘Decision' documents for conditions).
- Detailed design work and tender packages (stages E-G) – prepared detailed design information for sub-contractors, and tender documents.
- Contractor's proposals (stage H) – received the detailed proposals and cost for the construction work from the contractor, Kier Longley.
- Turf cutting ceremony – we marked the start of work on site with an event on 7 October: see photos of the event on Flikr.
- Start work on site – Kier have started to set up the site ready for the building work to start.
Find out more about the project by downloading our Maps, plans and illustrations.
Next steps
The next steps in delivering the project are:
- work to meet our remaining ‘pre-occupation planning conditions'
- construction work is due to be completed in early 2013
- The Keep will open to the public later in 2013.
East Sussex County Council