PLANS to build new homes on the site of King’s House in Hove will go on public display next month.

Mortar Nova Grand Avenue bought the office site from Brighton and Hove City Council in October for £26,125,000.

Now the joint venture development between developer Rego Property and Pacific Investment says proposals will go on show at a public consultation on January 26 and 27.

Co-director Alan Coleman said: “We are proposing to restore King’s House to its former glory.

“We will refurbish the Grade II listed building and re-introduce some of its original external features, including changing its use back to its original intention, which is residential homes.

“We are also proposing a high quality new building in place of the 1980s extension.

“We are keen to hear local people’s views on our draft plans which will be ready to view in January.”

King’s House site is located on the seafront between Grand and Second Avenue and fronting Queens Gardens in Hove.

It was formerly occupied by the council but was vacated in October 2016 when council staff relocated to Hove Town Hall and Bartholomew House as part of an efficiency programme.

There was no interest in using the building as office space but strong demand from developers wanting to build homes.

The sale enabled the council to refurbish Hove Town Hall, move staff across to that building with no loss of jobs, save £2million a year in operating costs and also invest in better customer services for residents, whilst reducing their carbon emissions by 27 per cent.

Council leader Warren Morgan said at the time he was pleased that the building would be brought back into beneficial use.

He said: ““This is more good news for the council’s finances, and demonstrates that we were right to make the decision regarding the previous sale agreement that we inherited.

“Selling Kings House will save us £2 million a year in operating costs with money already invested in better customer services.”

The public exhibition will run on Friday January 26 from 6pm until 9.30pm and Saturday January 27 from 10am until 4pm.

It will be staged at at Cornerstone Community Centre on the corner of Church Road and First Avenue in Hove.