THE long awaited development of the King Alfred is finally set to get off the ground after the Government pledge £15million funding needed to complete the project.

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Warren Morgan said: “We’re massively pleased and proud to have submitted a bid which has won the second largest single sum in the country. It speaks volumes for our commitment to providing the housing the city desperately needs, alongside a first-class leisure centre. We have achieved a very significant step forward after years of difficulty getting this project off the ground.”

The money is partof a Government pledge to build 200,000 new home

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, said: “Today marks the first step of the multi-billion pound investment we announced at the Budget to help build the homes our country needs.

“This fund finances vital infrastructure such as roads, schools and bridges, which will kick-start housing development in some of Britain’s highest-demand areas.

“This support will help us meet our ambitious plan of building 300,000 new homes each year and ensure we have enough housing in areas which need it most.”

Housing Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Our priority is building the homes this country desperately needs.

“This first wave of investment totalling £866 million will help get up to 200,000 homes off the ground, making a huge difference to communities across the country.

“This is just one of the many ways this government is taking action to get Britain building homes again.”