Development named as best

Former Westbourne hospital development wins award

AN ENVIRONMENTALLY-friendly housing development which boasts panoramic views of the South Downs and the sea has scooped a top building award. 

Westbourne, on New church Road, Hove, Brighton, East Sussex, was recognised as the Best Social Housing development in the South East at the LABC Building Excellence Awards.

Developed by Affinity Sutton, in partnership with builders Rok and designed by architects Miller Bourne the £7M scheme provides 49 affordable homes surrounded by elm trees and a historic wall. 

The scheme is rated as Ecohomes Excellent and was built using a Metsec frame – a steel frame construction technique that improves insulation.  It also boasts stunning entrance gates commissioned from a local East Sussex artist. 

The transformation of the former hospital site was completed in December 2009 and now provides 25 flats for shared ownership and 24 supported housing units for people with learning and physical difficulties. 

The prestigious LABC award recognises high standards in design, construction and workmanship.  The Westbourne development will now go through to the national finals in London in November.

Joyce Ferguson, Regional Development Director for Affinity Sutton, said:  This is fantastic news and we are delighted that Westbourne has been recognised for its quality design and workmanship.  As an affordable housing provider we are committed to providing good quality, well designed homes, for local people who would otherwise be priced out of the housing market.”