Council homes plan for Bedfordwell Road moves a step closer

The Grade II listed Victorian Pump House is a familiar landmark for train passengers using Eastbourne Railway Station. The site, which has failed to be delivered by two previous housing associations, is incredibly challenging and complex, and the council has been working hard to find the right package of funding solutions to support the scheme viability.

In May this year, Eastbourne Borough Council's bid for £7.622m from Homes England towards the scheme was successfully confirmed, subject to conditions, and is a significant step towards closing the funding gap.

In addition, the next key objective is confirmation of a Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF) bid of £2.2m made earlier in the year.  This is not expected to be announced until later this year and it is only when all the conditions are met that the funding from Homes England will be officially allocated.

Last night's approval by Cabinet councillors is a significant milestone for the project, unlocking enabling works and surveys to be undertaken to prevent any delays in construction if and when full funding is secured. An updated business case for the site was also agreed by councillors.

Councillor Peter Diplock, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "This work will get the site fully ready for building to start once a decision is made on our BLRF bid, which we are very hopeful will succeed.

"Where there is a will, there is a way, and our ambition to create much-needed affordable homes for local people at this Eastbourne landmark is moving closer to becoming reality."

A Project Board for the Bedfordwell Road site will reconvene to work through next steps with council officers in detail.

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