A former school site in Brighton is to be used for council housing, subject to a decision by senior councillors.
The old Hertford Infant School site, in Hertford Road, Hollingdean, became vacant after a merger with Hertford Junior School, in nearby Lynchet Crescent.
The two schools became an all-through primary school in September 2024, leaving vacant land and premises.
A proposal for the site is expected to be considered by Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet in a meeting at Hove Town Hall next week.
A report about “asset management” is expected to say that the vacant infant school site was retained while options were considered for an alternative education use.
But last December, the school was declared surplus by the council’s families, children and wellbeing directorate.
The site is being considered as a suitable spot to build “affordable” housing by the council’s estates regeneration team.
And the report is expected to recommend that the council’s Housing Revenue Account, which is funded mainly by tenants’ rents, take over the site.
Labour councillor Theresa Fowler, who represents Hollingdean and Fiveways, said: “I want this site to be for the benefit of the community and for something to happen so it’s not sat empty for years.
“If we can get housing on there for families – secure accommodation for people – I think it would be a good thing. I will work with residents as these proposals move forward.”
The Labour deputy leader of the council Jacob Taylor said: “We are taking a ‘housing first’ approach to our assets.
Councillor Taylor added: “We have families in precarious temporary accommodation and overcrowded in flats that aren’t suitable.
“We need to build more social and affordable housing and I’m pleased that we’re going to look at this site. It could be a great location for lovely family houses.”
The council’s cabinet is due to meet at Hove Town Hall at 2pm on Thursday 23 April. The meeting is scheduled to be webcast. The report is due to be published today (Wednesday 15 April).
Good idea. It’s difficult to park around there, so they need to address parking.
Better public transport, more Beryl bikes and secure, weatherproof cycle storage will give good travel choices for everyone who lives in the area.
Have you seen the hill that is Hertford Road, Max?!
Bikes are not the answer for everyone. While the bus service to Hollingdean has a bad case of disappearing bus-itis.
Low density housing would be fine here, if car parking is included. Though I’d prefer the site was retained for community use.
There was the escooter trial, might be better suited for the hills.
Just a thought, I wonder if the Council have any plans for Schoolhouse Surgery next door, because they look as if they’re going to move to Preston Barracks.
Seems likely, or at the very least, should be! We know there’s a general overview of all public buildings at the moment, with the sentiment of seeing how they could be put to best use. Empty spaces are the enemy.
What’s School House Surgery, A Drs Surgery.
Like most Estates they have nothing for anyone for anymore.
Maybe turn it in 1 Bedroom Flats-for single people who bring n a good wage but haven’t got the Deposit of £30,000 saved.
Actually maybe not single people, families can’t afford either
Can we sort the parking out before more people move into NORTH Hollingdean please
Benjamin, that sounds like a fairly broad claim about a “general overview of all public buildings.” Do you have a source for that—like a council report, consultation, or official statement? It would be helpful to know where that information comes from, otherwise it just comes across as a personal assumption rather than something confirmed.
How about a respite facility this side of Brighton