This page contains information about historic streets which were nearby before this area was redeveloped. To read about historic streets in this area included in the James Gray Collection see Upper Bedford Street area.
James Gray: Forecourt and entrance to Kemp Town Station in Coalbrook Road. The period is uncertain, but the vehicles seen suggest the early, or mid-1950s. jgc_22_033
2018: The station no longer exists nor does the street. Instead there is the car park of the Gala Bingo Hall. Freshfield Way (and the Freshfield Business Park) runs between Sutherland Road and Freshfield Road. (Photographer: Guy Shanley)
James Gray: This photograph shows the area in August 1961, when its future was under discussion. Used now only for goods, this large area could be put to other purposes, such as housing. jgc_22_127
James Gray: Two photographs of the lines running into the almost derelict station. The station was opened on 2 August 1869, and in the heyday of the railway it handled 17 trains daily in each direction. With the coming of motor buses traffic dwindled and the line ceased passenger traffic on 31 December 1932. Now, only one coal train runs each way on weekdays. This photograph was taken in August 1969. jgc_22_133 and 134
James Gray: Two photographs [see also jgc_22_133] of the lines running into the almost derelict station. The station was opened on 2 August 1869, and in the heyday of the Railway it handled 17 trains daily in each direction. With the coming of motor buses traffic dwindled and the line ceased passenger traffic on 31 December 1932. Now, only one coal train runs each way on weekdays. Photograph dated 28 April 1968. jgc_22_134
James Gray: Three photographs [jgc_22_130, 131 and 132] of the derelict station buildings in their last days. In fact, when these were taken in April and May 1968, the station was almost 100 years old, having been opened in August 1869. The station was last used regularly in 1932 as passenger traffic ceased on 31 December in that year. Note how closely the front façade resembles that of the original portion of Hove Station, opened as Cliftonville Station four years earlier in 1865. The façade of Portslade Station is also very similar, suggesting a standard design for LB & SCR [London, Brighton and South Coast Railway] Stations along the South Coast. jgc_22_130
James Gray: [See caption for jgc_22_130 above.] jgc_22_131
2018: The 1968 image shows the front elevation of the station, looking to the north-west. No buildings remain from the original photograph. (Photographer: David Jackson)
James Gray: [See caption for jgc_22_130 above.] jgc_22_132
2018: Gray’s 1968 photograph was taken from the rear of the station looking south and shows the end of the line in more senses than one. The current photograph is taken from the site of where the demolished station once stood. (Photographer: David Jackson)
James Gray: Two more photographs of the station buildings in May 1968, taken from Coalbrook Road. Once the decision had been taken by Brighton Corporation to acquire the railway area for use as a commercial trading estate, the buildings were doomed. For the benefit of the public the line was reopened for one day, on Saturday 26 June 1971, and it was well supported at 25p for the return journey from Brighton Station. The Station building was removed during 1973, though the three single storey ones, to the left, still remain and are being reconstructed. jgc_22_135 and jgc_22_136
James Gray: Derelict buildings in Eastern Road, looking east from Freshfield Road, on 5 April 1981. Demolition was proposed so that the cleared area could be added to the Freshfield Industrial Estate, and this process was started in late 1985. jgc_22_201
James Gray: The reverse view of the old buildings in Eastern Road to that shown in jgc_22_201. This time, looking west to Edward Street. jgc_22_205
2019: The view westwards along Eastern Road showing the buildings on the north side which have been demolished, the area redeveloped and Eastern Road itself widened.
James Gray: Coalbrook Road – this photograph shows the rear of these large derelict buildings. Date of both photographs – 5 April 1981. Demolition was delayed, and removal of the buildings took place several years later. jgc_22_206