A CONSORTIUM of developers has been named as preferred bidders for a major regeneration project which will see hundreds of homes built.

Karis Developments is working with Southern Housing Group and Conran and Partners architects on the ‘49 Sites’ project, which includes at least 450 homes in its initial first phase.

Homes and commercial space will be built across the Lewes district in Newhaven, Peacehaven, Seaford and Lewes, with 40% affordable homes.

The project will regenerate Newhaven in particular, with 200 affordable homes and 200 private, as well as commercial space.

Josh Arghiros, managing director of Karis, said he wanted to attract people unable to afford Brighton and Hove with “exciting, lively and fun” architecture.

He said: “We are delighted. We’ve spent one-and-a-half years going through very strict procedures before being selected by the local authority.

“There’s a huge amount of affordable housing for rent and shared ownership and one of the key principles is based around exciting, brilliant architecture.

“Without a doubt Newhaven needs regeneration, it’s not had the best of times over the last few years.

“We want to make it a place people want to live in, and bring in people that can’t afford Brighton and Hove anymore, and make it a really aspirational place to live.

“Each project will have its own identity and ethos. We want to make something that’s exciting, lively and fun.”

Karis, based in Brighton, was behind the ill-fated £290 million bid to rebuild the King Alfred leisure centre with world-renowned Guggenheim Museum architect Frank Gehry.

The project was meant to bring 750 homes, an £80 million sports centre, shops, a police office, a GP surgery and restaurants to the site – but collapsed in 2008 when the recession struck and financial backing was withdrawn.

The director of environment at Brighton and Hove City Council at the time of the King Alfred bid was Jenny Rowlands, now chief executive of Lewes District Council.

Mr Arghiros said he would be reluctant to work with Brighton and Hove City Council again following the problems with the King Alfred, which cost £13 million.

He added: “There’s no political leadership. Officers have an agenda to maintain the status quo. Everything becomes a political football.

“There needs to be clarity about what the city wants to be.” The projects will require planning permission and so it will be at least 18 months before construction starts.

A spokeswoman for Lewes District Council said: “The schemes will be to a high standard of design across the district.

“By sensitively building in sustainable rural locations, the project will ensure affordable housing is built in the countryside where there is strong demand.

“There will also be some employment floor space included on some of the sites as part of a mixed-use development. This will help deliver an income stream that can be invested back into local communities, as well as providing flexible workspace for small businesses.”