HUNDREDS of homes could be built as a hospital trust looks to generate funds for development work.

Half of Brighton General looks set to be demolished to make way for residential accommodation which could be pumped into a community health hub.

Potential plans for the site were revealed by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust on Wednesday, laying out five options for the Elm Grove hospital, where the last inpatient beds were removed in 2009.

Bosses have had ideas for the hub in the pipeline since last year, and it would incorporate a string of services including mental health and primary care.

Siobhan Melia, chief executive of the trust, said: “I think this is a fantastic opportunity to do something big and ambitious for our community.

“We know people have fond memories of Brighton General Hospital and will feel a connection with it looming so large over the East Brighton skyline.

“But the NHS has changed massively since it was a functioning hospital and our challenge is to help make sure the NHS can meeting the changing needs of the people that rely on it.

“Creating a purpose-built, modern and sustainable community health hub will help ensure the local NHS is fit for the future.”

Two of the five options state “nothing” can be done, or “do minimum” which would mean the hub could not be built.

Option three includes revamping the Cuckmere, Dyke and Edburton buildings, which could see GP services delivered and a new building in place of the Briggs Store.

The fourth option would be similar, but would demolish old blocks where the hub would be and rebuild the site.

Option five would give the largest space for the healthcare hub, as it would take the place of Sussex Rehabilitation Centre. Space for more homes would also be made available through this option, though it would mean spending more cash on a new location for the rehabilitation centre.

The trust says a new building “would be more energy efficient, sustainable, easier to maintain and more cost-effective to run”.

Ms Melia said: “It is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Creating a place for NHS community, mental health and primary care services to come together will improve things for patients.

“We understand that change can sometimes be unsettling, so we want members of the public, our patients and staff to come with us on this journey.”

An initial consultation found 84 per cent of the public supported the plans to redevelop the hospital.

A public drop-in session is taking place from 3pm to 6pm at the Brighthelm Centre in North Road, Brighton, on June 7 to find out what options people prefer.

To book, go to eventbrite.co.uk and search Brighton General community health hub public drop-in event.