Brighton’s Mayor marks the completion of the Grand Ocean development
Brighton & Hove City Council’s mayor, Bill Randall unveiled three large statues by leading local artist, Jon Mills on Saturday to celebrate the completion of the Grand Ocean development in Saltdean.
The iconic Grand Ocean building was one of the country’s leading hotels in its art deco heyday of the 1930s. In the 50s it became the first ever Butlins resort hotel before falling into disrepair. It has now been restored to its former glory by developers Explore Living and converted into luxury apartments.
At the unveiling ceremony, attended by over a hundred local residents, the Mayor thanked Explore Living for saving one of Brighton’s architectural landmarks and for bringing much need new homes into the city. After unveiling the artwork the Mayor and Mayoress took a tour of the restored building.
Grand Ocean is now one of the finest coastal developments in the UK. The restored Art Deco landmark has been complemented by four new wings to form a collection of homes that are hard to match along the whole of the South Coast. The development offers a range of luxury one and two bedroom apartments along with a very few penthouse apartments which offer huge wrap-around terraces and 29ft long living rooms with wonderful sea views.
The three specially commissioned metal sculptures that now adorn the Grand Ocean building are by artist Jon Mills and are entitled “Stepping Up” the evoking both the dancing heritage of the building and the new life breathed into it by the Explore Living restoration. The artwork consists of two pairs of larger-than-life couples dancing around two musicians and makes a significant visual reference to the Art Deco style of the 1930s.
Mills says: “As silhouettes, the figures evoke a ‘snapshot’ quality, reminiscent of shadows or memories of the hotel’s ballroom, whilst also reflecting the spirit of leisure and the ‘good times’ of the Butlins’ years.”
Local resident’s attending the event were quick to praise the work done by Explore Living in saving the town’s landmark.
Laurence O'Connor, ex-chair of the Residents Association says: “The development by Explore Living is a great enhancement to the area. The residents would like to thank Jon Mills for his creation and the Explore Living team for all their efforts in maintaining and improving the Grand Ocean Hotel for the future of Saltdean."
Local Councillor Bowden added: “It’s wonderful to see this grand building that holds so much history for the area restored and given a new lease of life. The whole project is a testament to the hard work of many in the local community who have engaged with the council and developers over many years to ensure its status as an iconic Saltdean landmark.”
Entertainment during the event included a live jazz band and a performance by Saltdean Primary school choir, who are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their school opening.
