Work starts on new supported living scheme

Building work has begun on a new council-owned supported-living scheme, which will provide long-term affordable accommodation for people with physical disabilities and brain injuries.

The development in Ingram Crescent, Hove will provide 28 apartments for independent living, together with associated communal space, and accommodation for staff to provide 24-hour care and support on-site.

A visit by Councillor Tristram Burden, the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Service Transformation, and Councillor Paul Nann, a Wish ward councillor marked the start of building work.

Our contractors, Trinity Homes, have now demolished Knoll House and cleared the site. The next stage is the piling work, which is expected to take around 4 weeks, before construction work begins in earnest later this summer.  The development is due to be completed in 2026.

Independent living

The scheme will be called Brickfields, after several historic brickfields in the area, and is being built on the site of the former Knoll House building.

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 balconies provide private outdoor space for each flat and residents can also enjoy communal gardens on the ground floor and roof terrace.

The design also improves accessibility to the site's existing pathways, integrating the building with the local environment.

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 active measures such as low-energy lighting.

To support biodiversity, trellises and climber plants will be integrated on the building's walls and landscaping will include native planting.

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.  

Fantastic homes

Councillor Burden said: “It’s great to see building work starting on the Brickfields development supported living scheme and I look forward to seeing these vital new homes taking shape.

“The development will not only deliver much-needed supported housing for city residents with disabilities, but also fantastic affordable and sustainable homes that will enhance the local area.”