Construction of 104 new homes on the site of the former Belgrave Day Centre in Portslade began in June 2021 and was completed, ahead of schedule, in January 2023.

Building new low cost homes

Completed ahead of schedule early in 2023, the 104 homes at St James Square, Clarendon Place, are highly energy efficient. The development, which is 100% affordable, has helped create around 60 new jobs for local people as well as apprenticeships and work placements on the site.

There have been improvements to the local area including a new pedestrian link and green corridor. There will also be a car club and bicycle share scheme for residents.

Built in two blocks, between four and seven storeys, there are 11 studio flats, 50 one-bedroom flats, 39 two-bedroom and four three-bedroom flats. This matched the size of housing needed in the city. Currently, 76% of households on Brighton & Hove City Council’s housing waiting list are in need of one or two bedroom properties.

The new homes were built by contractor PMC Construction at Clarendon Place, facing on to Wellington Road. The site was identified as suitable for housing in the City Plan.

Environmental impact

The buildings are set back from Wellington Road and will include a ‘green corridor’ of elm trees, hedges and seasonal plants. Trees along the front will wrap around the site and continue into the courtyard.

A steel arch, a nod to the area’s former industrial heritage, will provide a stunning entrance to a landscaped courtyard and native plants will encourage biodiversity.