A modular housebuilder has secured its most significant development so far with a project to build 100 affordable homes at the Grade II-listed Victorian Pump House in Eastbourne, East Sussex.
Boutique Modern’s scheme will deliver 100 affordable homes, including 59 houses and 41 apartments. Of these, 20 will be for shared ownership and the remainder for affordable rent.
Eighty of the homes will be new build and delivered using modular construction, while the rest will be created by converting the site’s historic Victorian Pump House.
Originally constructed in the 1880s for the Eastbourne Waterworks Company, the building will be sensitively repurposed by Boutique Modern’s specialist partners as part of the main contract works.
This major regeneration project will transform the landmark building in Bedfordwell Road which has been derelict for many years.
Dick Shone, managing director of Boutique Modern, said: “We’re proud to begin work on our largest project to date – a scheme that marks an important next step for our business. Thanks to the increased capacity of our new factory, we’re able to take this on while continuing to deliver for other clients alongside the recent launch of our ModernHome product.
“We’ve worked closely with Eastbourne Borough Council on several successful schemes, so we’re very pleased that this milestone project will be delivered in the town. It’s another step forward in our relationship with the council and we hope it will give other local authorities confidence in our ability to deliver schemes like this one.”
The development will also include green space, ponds and a commercial unit.
All the new build homes are targeted to achieve an EPC A rating, which will be delivered through a combination of solar PV, MVHR, air source heat pumps, electric heating, and Boutique Modern’s fabric-first design approach, which keeps homes warm in winter and cool in summer.
Enabling works are already underway, with full construction due to start towards the end of 2025.
As part of the project’s obligations, the team will support local careers education, including attendance at school careers fairs and on-site experience for students and at Boutique Modern’s factory in Newhaven.
The project will also make use of local contractors and the regional supply chain to help boost Eastbourne’s economy.
Boutique Modern secured the scheme through the Lewes District Council Modular Housing Framework.
Councillor Peter Diplock, cabinet member for housing at Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “I am incredibly pleased to see this ambitious project move from planning to reality.
“Developing a brownfield site like Bedfordwell Road presents unique challenges, but our perseverance has paid off.
“This development of 100 affordable homes represents the most significant council-led housing initiative in our borough for decades and underscores our commitment to delivering much-needed homes that local people can afford.”
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