Work to prepare the site for the exciting Moulsecoomb housing and community hub development will begin later this month.
The start follows the agreement to appoint Wates Residential as the main contractor to take forward the development, made at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday 23 January.
We’ve also now had a £11.6 million grant from Homes England's Brownfield Infrastructure and Land fund for the development confirmed.
This will cover the cost of site preparation, landscaping and infrastructure, as well as contributing towards the construction of the community hub.
The appointment of Wates follows a thorough tender process that concluded last November.
Wates has extensive experience of delivering construction projects in the private and public sectors, and scored highest on the quality element, giving confidence in their ability to deliver the project.
Their bid also showed significant commitment to investing in the local community through a Social Value framework, designed to grow the local economy and actively support residents in the neighbouring area.
This will include creating apprenticeship opportunities linked to local schools, setting up volunteering opportunities including food and fuel poverty initiatives, and schemes to support increasing the number of local people employed in construction.
Demolition work on site started in spring 2024, with the construction on site expected to begin in June.
The Moulsecoomb housing and community hub project is an ambitious regeneration scheme, delivering 200 new council homes and a multi-use community hub for the area.
The construction will take place on land formerly used by the Moulsecoomb north and south hubs, the 67 Centre and the surrounding area.
Services and facilities that could be located in the hub include a GP surgery, Moulsecoomb Library, youth centre, adult learning and a community café.
The ambition is also to deliver a high-quality public realm as part of the development, including a skate park and a 7-a-side 3G football pitch.
The design of the project was shaped by residents’ views following a series of ‘planning for real’ sessions, where more than 200 residents gave feedback on what they’d like to see and shared potential concerns.
Wates demonstrated commitment to provide positive and pro-active stakeholder communications, focused on ensuring community members are kept informed and involved at every stage of the project.
Before they start on site, a ‘meet the contractor’ event will be arranged for the community.
A local community liaison officer will be appointed to serve as a primary liaison between the site team and all stakeholders, including local businesses, residents, schools, and community organisations – and ensure clear and consistent communication.
In order to ensure that the Moulsecoomb community continues to be involved in the decision-making process, we will establish a monthly meeting group to discuss the project’s progress and gather any feedback.
Councillor Gill Williams, Cabinet member for Housing and New Homes, said: “It’s fantastic to see the exciting Moulsecoomb housing and community hub development progress following the appointment of a contractor and securing additional funding.
“The bid from Wates inspired great confidence in delivering the project to the highest standard, but what stood out was their dedication to investing in local community and supporting residents in the area.
“I’m looking forward to working with Wates, as well as local communities, on making this amazing project come to life and delivering 200 much needed homes and thriving public spaces that will be enjoyed for years to come.”
Lee Bushell, Regional Managing Director at Wates Residential said: “We’re pleased to be appointed to this transformative project in Moulsecoomb and to begin our partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council.
“At Wates, our purpose is to reimagine places for people to thrive. This project exemplifies that commitment—delivering high-quality homes and vibrant community spaces that will make a meaningful difference to people's lives.
“Our work goes beyond bricks and mortar. We’re dedicated to creating real opportunities for local people through apprenticeships, employment, and community initiatives that will leave a lasting positive legacy. We can’t wait to get started and deliver something special for the Moulsecoomb community.”
