Laying the foundations of the new supported living scheme
Council Leader Bella Sankey and Wish ward Councillor Paul Nann visited the site of former Knoll House to see the emerging layout of new council-owned supported-living scheme.
The Brickfields development in Ingram Crescent, Hove will provide long-term affordable accommodation for people with physical disabilities and brain injuries.
The scheme delivers 28 apartments for independent living, together with associated communal space, and accommodation for staff to provide 24-hour care and support on-site.
The work on site began this summer and is due to be completed in 2026.
Award-winning design
The innovative design of the supported-living scheme focuses on accessibility and sustainability as well as social value to the existing community, and has recently been recognised by a prestigious Housing Design Award.
The award recognises the most innovative new housing developments and is judged by national experts in every field, from planning to biodiversity, urban design to low carbon.
All the apartments have been designed to be wheelchair accessible, have dual-aspect orientations, and ensure optimal levels of daylight, privacy and shading.
The building’s generous balconies provide private outdoor space for each flat and residents can also enjoy communal gardens on the ground floor and roof terrace, accessible for wheelchair users with level access throughout.
The design also improves accessibility to existing pathways and will provide additional handrails around the site.
Environmental and social value
The development has been designed to be energy efficient to reduce energy consumption and save residents’ money on bills.
This includes air source heat pumps for efficient communal heating, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and low-energy lighting.
The design integrates trellises and climber plants on the building's walls and landscaping will include native planting to support biodiversity.
Raised planters will be built across the scheme to allow residents to enjoy gardening, growing vegetables or flowers.
As part of the social value of the development, Trinity Homes will work with the neighbours to improve the Ingram Crescent community garden.
The development will also provide new apprenticeship starts and opportunities for students to start and complete NVQ qualifications.
Local school and university students will also have the opportunity to engage with the development through site visits, career talks and work placements.
An asset to the entire community
Councillor Sankey said: “It’s so positive to see the work on the Brickfields supported living scheme progressing, transforming the much-needed flats and community spaces from plans to reality.
“I’m proud that the scheme has received the prestigious Housing Design Award, which recognises the most innovative residential developments and raises the standards of new homes for over 75 years.
“It’s a priority that the new scheme not only provides sustainable homes where our residents with disabilities and brain injuries can be supported and thrive, but also enhance the local area and be an asset to the entire community.
“I’d like to thank the residents of Ingram Crescent for their patience as the demolition took place and we look forward to working with them to make a success of this new scheme.”
