Construction of a major development of 57 new council homes will reach its highest point this week. (w/b Oct 31)
A ‘topping out’ ceremony is being held at Kite Place in Whitehawk, Brighton, on Friday November 4 to mark the completion of the top storey of the development’s concrete frame.*
The development of one, two and three bedroom flats, being carried out by Brighton & Hove City Council, is the largest council homes scheme currently under construction in the city.
It is part of the council’s New Homes for Neighbourhoods building programme, which is aiming to build at least 500 new council homes on council-owned land, to provide much needed affordable rented housing.
Councillor Anne Meadows, chair of the council’s Housing and New Homes Committee, said: “Providing more homes for local people is a priority for the council and it is great to see this development taking shape.
“It is a major project in the heart of the local community and the flats will all go to people on the council’s housing register. We look forward to welcoming the first residents when the scheme is completed next year."
She added: “Local people have been involved from the outset in giving their feedback on the design and the development is providing local employment opportunities in the construction industry.
“Local youngsters have also played their part, by coming up with award winning artwork which is being displayed on hoardings around the site while building work is in progress.”
The development is at the junction of Findon Road and Whitehawk Road. The site had been vacant since 2011 when Whitehawk Library moved to new premises in Whitehawk Community Hub.
All the flats – which include six wheelchair accessible properties – will be let throughthe council’s Homemove choice-based lettings system at affordable rents, to residents in housing need . Flats on the upper floors of the development will provide great views over the sea and the city.
Notes to editors:
*The topping out ceremony will include raising a flag, which in the construction industry symbolises good luck and bringing life to the building. It marks the completion of the concrete frame of the scheme’s west block.
Construction work is being carried out by Westridge Construction on behalf of Brighton & Hove City Council.
Local residents and the Neighbourhood Council – Due East, which represents communities in East Brighton, were involved in a ‘Planning for Real’ consultation last year to give feedback on the design for the scheme.
A community project for youngsters to design artwork for hoardings around the site won a runners up prize in a national competition run by the Considerate Constructors Scheme.
The New Homes for Neighbourhoods programme is aiming to build at least 500 new council homes by 2020
People currently on the council’s housing register, including council tenants who need to move to a home that meets their current needs, can apply for homes built under the New Homes for Neighbourhood programme when they are completed, through the council’s Homemove choice-based lettings system.
Further information:
Brighton & Hove City Council press office
01273 293033 press@brighton-hove.gov.uk