NINE shipping containers will house businesses next door to the site of a project that houses the homeless.

The new containers will arrive on Sunday on the site of the former Cobbler’s Thumb pub in New England Road, Brighton.

The new arrivals will join an existing 36 containers on the neighbouring Richardson’s Yard site, which provide safe and secure studio flats for the homeless.

One of the new containers will be used as an office for developers QED Estates, while another will be used for community use, run by project partner the Brighton Housing Trust.

In total, 45 containers will complete the pioneering project.

Ross Gilbert, from developers QED, said: “This latest phase is possible because of the success of the Richardson’s Yard development.

“The Cobbler’s Thumb site was never part of our original plans, but the opportunity arose and we felt that it would complement and complete the original development.

“We are very pleased to be offering affordable facilities on flexible terms, in an area where they are much needed.

“It is all very exciting. We have decided that QED shall open another office and take occupation of one of the units ourselves. The new office will concentrate, not surprisingly, on the deployment of demountable container buildings.”

Inspiration for turning shipping containers into homes and offices can be found in Amsterdam, where they are commonly used to form student flats, accommodation for the Salvation Army and even a hotel.

Andy Winter, chief executive of Brighton Housing Trust, said the container project was one of the “best things” he had ever been involved in.

He added: “We have learned from some mistakes we have made but overall they have been a massive success, providing homes for 36 men and women who might otherwise struggle in the competitive and high-cost housing market in Brighton.

“The development will make a huge difference to residents. The Cobbler’s Thumb site has looked like a bombsite ever since the city council demolished the old pub for safety reasons.

“A high-quality development will provide a community facility for our residents and improve the environment.”

Anyone interested in leasing one of the few remaining containers for business use should email Ross Gilbert at mailto:rossgilbert@qedproperty.com