Homes: 208

Value: £44.2m

Status: Onsite 

Thakeham Partnerships has been appointed by housing provider Southern Housing to build 208 new affordable homes at Holmhurst St. Leonards near Hastings, East Sussex.

Addressing the need for affordable homes in the community, the development consists of 31 one and two-bed apartments across two blocks, and 177 two, three, and four-bed family houses.

The project will provide a scheme delivering 100% affordable housing that comprises both homes for rent and sale (shared ownership)

Whilst the scheme was secured with the benefit of a full planning consent, Thakeham worked with Southern to secure a s73 consent. This collaborative effort ensured the scheme met both local planning regulations and the evolving needs of the community, resulting in a more sustainable, aesthetic and well integrated project.

The site contained a number of abnormalities that required careful attention. These can be summarised as:

• Differing levels and gradient challenges across the site
• Extensive amount of Japanese Knotweed
• Access to a graveyard during the build

Perhaps the most notable abnormal was the restoration of a Grade 2 listed statue of Queen Anne, with landscaping, footpaths, and benches to showcase the monument. The statue was formally to be found at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The statue will shortly be transported back to London, where restoration works will be undertaken by a specialist stonemason and returned to the scheme in late 2024.

Work commenced in Autumn 2022, with completion due by Spring 2025, and Thakeham. Southern Housing are committed to supporting local residents and maximising job opportunities during construction, employing up to 40 apprentices and trainees on site throughout the project.