A community organisation has secured funding to build affordable homes in a town centre.

Hastings Commons, a non-profit organisation that develops land for the benefit of the community, has been awarded £1 million by Hastings Borough Council to build 12 affordable and sustainable homes in Hastings.

The homes have been allocated as part of the council’s Town Living project.

Derelict floor space in the Observer building, a former newspaper printing factory in Cambridge Road, will be used for the 12 homes, eight of which will be used by the council to reduce the need for temporary accommodation.

The homes will be given to those “in severe housing need” with affordable rent prices.

READ MORE: Plans for new gypsy site near village

The work is due to be completed by March 2026.

The funds were originally ring-fenced for the refurbishment of a heritage property in Wellington Square, however the plans were changed due to risks associated with the listed building.

The council said the homes will be allocated to those on the housing register based on housing need, local connection, enthusiasm for the Hastings Commons’ ethos and willingness to contribute to the Commons and the wider community.

Councillor Glenn Haffenden, lead councillor for housing and wellbeing, said, "I am pleased that Hastings Commons' approach meets the ambitions of the Town Living project and the £1 million funding for this project will be used to deliver much needed, affordable, energy efficient homes within our town centre".

READ MORE: 145 homes will be built on farmland despite 'odour issues' of nearby sewage works

Graham Peters, chairman of the Town Deal Board, said: "This is a positive outcome all round."

Hastings Commons describes itself as “an ambitious, pioneering approach to community-led regeneration in the White Rock neighbourhood of Hastings”.

The organisation focuses its attention on derelict buildings and turns them into homes, workspaces and social spaces with a focus on inclusivity.

Since 2014, it has purchased over 8,500 square metres of floor space in Hastings to deliver its vision.