New buildings are beginning to spring up on the development of more than 200 new council-rented homes and a community hub in Moulsecoomb.
The Moulsecoomb housing and community hub development, which is being delivered by Wates Residential for Brighton & Hove City Council, will provide 222 council homes for rent, with a vibrant community hub, delivering wide-ranging social, economic and environmental benefits for the local community.
The new streets will be called Flintfield Drive, Thorncroft Close and Chalkvale Mews following a resident poll last autumn – names inspired by the local history, topography and the geology of the area.
The residential scheme is made up of 8 blocks with a mix of flat types within each block, and 4 pairs of 4-bedroom semi-detached townhouses to respond to different resident needs and form a well-balanced community.
All homes will have access to private outdoor spaces in the form of gardens, balconies or patios.
Fifteen new homes will be fully wheelchair accessible, with 20 homes provided as ‘Mobility 2’ units, for residents who do not need fully adapted accommodation, but require some assistance.
The design of the community hub reflects the area’s industrial heritage, drawing inspiration from local historic buildings, including Moulsecoomb Hall and the railway viaduct.
It will provide a range of services and facilities under one roof, including a GP surgery, pharmacy, library, youth centre, adult learning and a community café.
The development will also include a skate park and a 7-a-side 3G football pitch located on a nearby greenfield site.
Alongside the delivery of new homes and community facilities, the project is creating opportunities for local people through employment and work experience.
To date, 11 work experience placements have been delivered and 43 local roles have been created through the development. Wates has also been working with local organisations, including the 67 Centre, to support initiatives that benefit the wider Moulsecoomb community.
Landscape design is central to the scheme, with carefully planned routes, ramps and gathering spaces connecting the community creating a safe, inclusive and accessible environment for people of all ages.
Residents of the new homes will have safe pedestrian routes through to the neighbouring primary school, and easy access to the Brighton BikeShare pickup point, to Moulsecoomb train station, and to bus stops leading to the centre of Brighton, the nearby football stadium, and university sites.
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.
Councillor Gill Williams, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “This development is something myself, our team and residents have been talking about, thinking about, dreaming about for so many years - I can’t quite believe I'm seeing it all coming together.
“There’s a little way to go but the new 222 council homes are homes the city desperately needs. This is going to help hundreds of people to find a place where they will live and thrive.
“I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to see it under way. There have been so many people involved in getting us here – the residents who helped shape the plans, the council team and the builders carrying on working through this heat. I want to thank everybody for making all this happen.”
Barry Williams, Regional Operations Director at Wates Residential who are leading the development, said: "Even while construction is still in its early stages, the impact of the regeneration is already being felt.
“Hearing from young local people on site about the confidence and experience they're gaining through work placements was a powerful reminder of the opportunities a development like this can create.
“That's exactly the kind of impact we hope to have while delivering much-needed council homes and community facilities for Moulsecoomb."
Councillor Gill Williams and Councillor Paul Nann paid a visit to newly refurbished flats being let as temporary accommodation to women in housing need.
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