Claim of a human skeleton at the site of Brighton’s ugliest building Brighton News

Work began in March to finally demolish the block, which had been abandoned for more than 30 years.

Demolition of Brighton’s ‘ugliest building’, Anston House in Preston Road, began in March

Residents have dubbed Brighton’s ugliest building due to the amount of rubbish dumped in its forecourt and graffiti covered walls.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: ‘We are carrying out a planned search at Anston House, Preston Road, Brighton as part of an investigation into a landmark claim that part of a human skeleton was present at the site when the building was erected in the 1960s.

“Officers will be present to determine if there are any remains there and, if so, will work with specialists to analyze the bones to determine their age and if there are any suspicious circumstances.”

Footage from the scene shows forensic investigators using a shovel to dig up the building’s foundation.

Dig at Anston House in Brighton

The spokesperson added: “Following the police excavations, an archaeological excavation is planned at the site and members of the public will not have access to it for several days.

“Thank you to the public for their patience and understanding during this work.”

Residents filming the old office tower being demolished earlier this year said everyone was “really happy to see the back” of the building.

First Base and Hyde Housing Group are redeveloping the site into 229 new houses spread over three towers.

Of the new apartments, 30 will be classified as affordable one or two bedroom homes, and there will also be a common working space on the ground floor and landscaped areas with new trees.

Brighton Architects Conran and Partners, who designed the new apartment blocks, said the development “will provide new contemporary homes and much needed workspace in the city”.