The first residents have started moving into a major new development of 127 council homes in Coldean.
The new homes in Coldean Lane are the second project delivered through the council’s Homes for Brighton & Hove partnership with housing association, the Hyde Group.
The development, known as Denman Place, is due to be fully completed in the spring.
The council-rented homes are a mix of one, 2 and 3 bedroom flats and are being let to people in housing need on the city’s housing register.
The homes are designed to be highly energy efficient, which will help keep energy bills low for residents.
Trees, shrubs and wildflowers are being planted as part of landscaping work around the new buildings, to provide attractive communal areas and encourage wildlife. Bat boxes are also being installed.
A woodland area is being created, with native shrubs including Hawthorn, Field Maple, Hazel and Holly. Oak and beech trees and disease-resistant elms are also being planted.
The council homes are part of the Homes for Brighton & Hove development which is providing 242 new flats in total.
There are 113 flats on the development which are shared ownership homes available through Hyde, giving first time buyers a more affordable way to own a home. Homeowners buy a minimum 30% share in their home and pay rent to Hyde for the remainder, with the chance to buy a bigger share over time.
There are a further two wheelchair accessible flats available through Hyde and the council to rent.
Homes for Brighton & Hove was set up to provide much needed low-cost homes for people in the city and is an important part of the council’s ambitious programmes to build new council homes.
The partnership’s first project was completed at Clarendon Place, off Wellington Road, Portslade last year, providing 104 new homes. The Portslade development is made up of 49 council flats and 55 shared ownership flats.
Councillor Gill Williams, chair of the Housing & New Homes Committee, said: “Increasing the supply of affordable housing in the city is a top priority and it’s exciting to see this development of much needed high-quality homes nearing completion.
“With 127 new council homes, it provides the biggest single boost in council housing in recent years, as well as shared ownership homes.
“Homes for Brighton & Hove is a great example of partnership working, allowing both organisations to pool their resources and expertise to deliver new, genuinely affordable housing for local people in the city.
“It’s great to see families starting to move in, and we hope they will be very happy in the new homes.”
Steven Morrice, Hyde Development and Sales Director, said: “It’s been great welcoming the first residents to this fantastic development.
“It’s clear from the people we’ve spoken to, just what it means for them to have a new home.
“We’re delighted that our partnership with the council is continuing to help change the lives of hundreds of people living in Brighton & Hove.”
Homes for Brighton & Hove is part of a package of measures to increase the supply of council homes in the city.
