Work has started to transform the site of an ex-council care home into supported living accommodation.

The redevelopment of the Knoll House site in Ingram Crescent, Hove, will provide 28 apartments for independent living.

Demolition work is due to start shortly, with the development expected to be completed in early 2026.

Alongside the 28 apartments, the development will include communal spaces and accommodation for staff to provide 24-hour care and support on-site.

The self-contained apartments will support people to live independently and have been designed to be fully wheelchair accessible with generous balconies.

The building’s gardens will be accessible for wheelchair users with level access throughout. The design will also improve accessibility to existing pathways and will provide additional handrails around the site.

The council said the building will be highly insulated, with a low-carbon heating system and solar panels on the roof.

Trinity Homes has been appointed to build the supported living apartments.

A communal air source heat pump system will provide heating and hot water, paired with mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.

The building will have several communal outdoor spaces, including a roof garden, planted with native species plants where residents can relax and spend time together.

Raised planters will also be built across the scheme to allow residents to enjoy maintenance of the garden and grow vegetables or flowers.

The design of the scheme has recently been shortlisted for a prestigious Housing Design Award.

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The key elements highlighted in the entry were the scheme’s nature-friendly and sustainable design to support health and wellbeing, the accessible location, generous space standards and dedication to regenerating a council-owned property to provide housing for local people with disabilities.

The awards use detailed case studies and films to promote what works well to raise quality in housing development.

Councillor Tristram Burden, chairman of the adult social care and public health sub-committee said: “It’s great to see the redevelopment of these new supported living homes on the Knoll House site getting underway.

“I’m delighted that the scheme has been shortlisted for a Housing Design Award, placed among other fantastic projects providing a new benchmark for excellence in council-owned housing sites.

“The development will not only deliver much-needed supported housing for city residents with disabilities and brain injuries, but also fantastic affordable and sustainable homes that will enhance the local area.”