Ambitious plans for a new community hub and more than 200 council homes are moving ahead.

Demolition work is due to start this spring on the major Moulsecoomb project which hopes to “significantly” regenerate the area.

The Moulsecoomb Hub and Housing project will see the development of a community building and new homes on land currently used by the Moulsecoomb north and south hubs, the 67 Centre and the surrounding area.

Services and facilities that could be located in the hub include a GP surgery, Moulsecoomb Library, youth centre, adult learning and a community café.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s ambition is also to provide a high quality public realm as part of the development, including a skate park, and a seven-a-side 3G football pitch.  

Bringing services together into a new purpose-built centre also frees up a number of sites to build around 200 much-needed new council homes, the council said.

The design of the project was shaped by residents’ views following a series of ‘planning for real’ sessions held in early 2020.

More than 200 residents attended the sessions and gave feedback.

Views given included the facilities and activities residents would like to see in the hub, the type of housing, transport and the public realm.

Before the winning contractor starts on site, a ‘meet the contractor’ event will be arranged for the community.

Councillor Gill Williams, chairwoman of the housing and new homes committee, said: “It’s exciting to see this ambitious project moving forward with the demolition work starting as early as this spring.

“There is still a lot of work that needs to be done and we must make sure that the project is economically viable and future proofed by appointing a quality contractor.

“The project, which was developed in close cooperation with local communities, will improve services and facilities for all residents of Moulsecoomb and Bevendean.

“As well as delivering a thriving community hub, it will provide over 200 much-needed new council homes, which is a huge step towards our priority of delivering accessible, affordable and high-quality homes for residents of Brighton and Hove.

“I’m looking forward to seeing these under-used sites transformed into a new vibrant community space and inviting, energy efficient homes.”

A report going to the housing and new homes committee on March 13 will seek approval to begin the process of looking for contractors for the construction, which is expected to begin in 2025.

Residents and local stakeholders will be notified of demolition in advance to minimise disruption.