Southern Housing Group has transformed a run down former nursing home into high quality affordable housing with the opening of its latest Hove development.
Representatives from the Group and construction company W Stirland Ltd joined local Councillors and invited guests for the official opening of the circa £7.5million project on Wednesday 14 December. Group staff gave an overview of the works before guests were taken on a site tour and viewing of some of the new homes.
Albany Villas is the refurbishment of former Dresden House residential home, which had been closed for several years. Two of the four villas are dedicated to affordable housing, comprised of 12 one and two bedroom flats. Let on a “Rent to Homebuy” basis, rent levels are set at 80 per cent of the local market rate. An additional advantage is the occupiers, all with local connections, have the option to convert to shared ownership within a short period.
Group South Regional Development Manager, Jeremy Barkway, said the affordable units had high public appeal with 200 expressions of interest and 54 applicants viewing the 12 properties.
“Albany Villas mixes classic with contemporary through the provision of modern affordable housing in a traditionally designed setting. The development is an example of successful partnership working resulting in high quality, sustainable homes for the Hove community.”
The remaining two villas were converted into 12 outright sale apartments, marketed by the Group’s development subsidiary Southern Space Ltd.
Mike May, Managing Director of Southern Space Ltd, said: “We are delighted to offer these spacious new flats to the Hove market. High windows and ceilings compliment the generous sized rooms, creating bright and spacious living areas. Within close proximity to entertainment and shopping facilities, these flats are going to be very popular.”
Jointly funded by the Group, Southern Space Ltd and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) Albany Villas is minutes from the seafront, offering easy access to Hove Station and Church Road’s wide range of restaurants and bars.
The traditional design of the external and communal areas compliments the apartments’ modern interiors. Oak finish flooring and high quality kitchens have been carefully chosen, enhancing the internal contemporary element.
Alan Fry, Construction Director of W Stirland, said: “Whilst retaining the original structure the team has managed to produce modern standards of accommodation internally and maintain the original features of the building externally.
Not only has this achieved a superior quality design standard it has also resulted in high levels of thermal insulation and air tightness which is beneficial for the environment and will result in reduced fuel bills for the residents.”
The building’s front elevation is situated within a conservation area, with any alteration or improvement work requiring council permission.
Lesley Johnston, from the Brighton and Hove City Council Heritage Team, said they were pleased to see the building rejuvenated.
“The refurbishment involved significant improvements to the exterior of the building and its setting, including the reinstatement of traditional window and door designs. The overall result is a good example of conservation as a positive force in the regeneration of a tired building, to the benefit not only of its new residents, but to the area generally.”
Sustainability is a key feature of the development with all residents receiving energy efficiency information in their occupation manuals. Double glazed windows and amendments to the roof’s thermal effectiveness have enhanced the building’s energy efficiency.
Brighton and Hove Council’s Housing Cabinet Minister, Liz Wakefield, who declared the East Sussex development officially opened, said:
“This attractive new development makes a positive contribution to the historic Cliftonville area of Brighton and Hove. Albany Villas will provide much needed affordable and sustainable housing and I am confident that the success of this project will encourage further social housing partnerships in the future.”