Mitre House, Western Road, Brighton

Image: © Simon Carey Taken: 28 Mar 2016

The large block of flats were constructed in the mid 1930s by International Stores Ltd whose logo was a mitre. Opened in 1935 the flats cover the block between Hampton Place and Spring Street with the exception of Image which was located on the corner of the former. The ground floor consisted of purpose built shops whilst the upper floors contained private flats and offices. Prior to the construction the block had been private residences with front gardens which had gradually been built over during the 19th century as Western Road commercial importance grew. This expansion also narrowed the road and the council began acquiring properties from as early as 1905 in order to widen it from the northern side. This section was the penultimate block to be developed and during the 1920s the leases on each unit had been drastically shortened. However, the extensive Bon Marche stores occupying 149-156 were used as temporary homes for Boots Image and Wades Image whilst their stores were rebuilt to the east. By the early 1930s all business had ceased and the block demolished over the course of 1933. Old Images Former shops, 1933 - http://regencysociety-jamesgray.com/volume19/source/jg_19_051.html Demolition in progress, 1933 - http://regencysociety-jamesgray.com/volume19/source/jg_19_055.html Cleared site viewed from Hampton Street, 1935 - http://regencysociety-jamesgray.com/volume19/source/jg_19_059.html Mitre House, 1940s - http://regencysociety-jamesgray.com/volume19/source/jg_19_147.html For individual shops within Mitre House see: Image Image Image Image Image Image

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