The owner of a new taproom and kitchen set to open in the city centre says support from the community is a “huge vote of confidence” in the project.

The Beak Market was officially given planning permission this week as it is set to take over a former garage site Brighton North Laine next to the much-loved Prince Albert pub.

Now, the man behind the market site says he is “overcome” by the reaction to the site – and wants to get it up and running by the end of the year.

Danny Tapper, who founded Beak Brewery in Lewes, said: “It’s a huge vote of confidence from residents and the local community. It really feels like everyone is behind the project.

“We were blown away by the support we got and it shows the community that exists in Brighton.

“We have already had dozens and dozens of businesses getting in touch saying they want to be a part of it.”

The Argus: Danny TapperDanny Tapper (Image: Beak Brewery)

Danny, 39, set up Beak Brewery in Lewes in 2020 and submitted applications to turn abandoned garages in Trafalgar Street in Brighton into The Beak Market.

The site would include a number of kitchens serving food from independent businesses in the area and a taproom serving Beak’s craft beers.

The Beak Market was granted planning permission by Brighton and Hove City Council earlier this week.

Plans for the Trafalgar Street site to become flats had previously been strongly opposed over fears it could jeopardise the future of the Prince Albert pub.

The Argus: Visualisations for The Beak MarketVisualisations for The Beak Market (Image: Beak Brewery)

The Prince Albert has been a mainstay of the street as a grass-roots gig venue and the pub has been “incredibly supportive” of plans for The Beak Market, Danny said.

While the site is currently in a state of disrepair and houses pigeons, Danny said he hopes for renovations to start later this year.

He added work on the site would likely take a number of months, but that the aim was to have The Beak Market opened in the winter.