New plans for Moulsecoomb

Planning has been agreed for a new community hub and more than 200 council homes on a number of underused sites in Moulsecoomb.

The proposals are to develop a community building and the new homes on land currently used by the Moulsecoomb north and south hubs and the 67 Centre and the surrounding area.

The aim is for the new community building to improve the services and facilities available for residents of Moulsecoomb and Bevendean.

Services and facilities that could be located in the hub include a GP Surgery, Moulsecoomb Library, adult learning and a community café.

Proposals also include a new centre for youth services within the hub, with a separate entrance.

Bringing services together into a new purpose-built centre also frees up a number of sites to build around 200 much-needed new council homes.

The planning application for the proposed development is now live. You can see the details and comment on the proposals by going to the online planning register and searching for planning application number BH2022/01063.

Architect’s image of the proposed Moulsecoomb housing and community hub development from the south-west

Architect’s image of the proposed Moulsecoomb housing and community hub development from the south-west

Talking to the community

We’ve been discussing the proposals with local residents and community groups over the past couple of years.

In early 2020, we held a series of Planning for Real sessions, which used a 3D model of the neighbourhood to give residents a hands-on way to have their say on the best way of providing what’s needed.

More than 200 residents attended and gave constructive and positive feedback on what they’d like to see and potential concerns they have.

Views given included the facilities and activities residents would like to see in the hub, the type of housing, transport and the public realm.

Original proposals to have the community hub on land next to the Moulsecoomb Commnunity Leisure Centre were changed following feedback from the sessions about the importance of the visibility and accessibility of the hub. It’s now proposed to site it in the heart of the wider development.

Proposals to transfer land to the council’s housing revenue account and relocate services were agreed by Housing Committee on 29 April 2020 and Policy & Resources committee on 30 April 2020.

The business case for the proposals was also agreed by the Policy & Resources committee.