A HOUSING association is to build 369 homes at Preston Barracks in Brighton.

Optivo Housing Association has bought land in Lewes Road from regeneration developer U+I.

It includes a mix of homes for sale and affordable rent and work is expected to start in the summer.

Neill Tickle, land and new business director at Optivo, said: “We’re passionate about delivering new homes and are delighted to have completed this deal.

“This is a very exciting time for Brighton and we’re proud to be involved with such an ambitious masterplan that will create jobs and positively transform the area.

“It’s Optivo’s largest land only deal to date and we’re keen to get started on building 369 much-needed quality homes as part of a buzzing new neighbourhood.”

This is part of a £300 million masterplan to develop the Lewes Road area as a thriving new “academic and economic corridor in Brighton”.

It includes 555 student rooms and homes, business school, entrepreneurial hub, shops, cafes, rooftop bar, workshops, leisure facilities, play spaces, public squares, new pedestrian bridge and a boardwalk to the station.

The investment will create more than 1,500 jobs and inject more than £280 million into the economy over the next ten years.

Simon Hesketh, of U+I, said: “We are delighted to have secured another new partner to progress the Preston Barracks scheme.

“The new homes are much needed and this transformational project is on track to create a thriving place for people to live, work and learn, bringing tangible benefits.”

Construction is under way at Preston Barracks with U+I’s first building due to complete in December.