Nine new council-rented flats at Carden Hill in Hollingbury are complete, and residents will start moving in later in November 2026, according to a statement issued by Brighton & Hove City Council on 6 November 2026.
Who the homes are for
The flats are a mix of one and two-bedroom homes, and the council says they are being let to people on the city's housing register. Planning documents show five one-bedroom and four two-bedroom flats, and the council's project page says they are to let at affordable rents.
When the building work was announced in January 2025, the council said that once complete, all the homes would be let to residents in housing need through Homemove, the city's choice-based lettings system. Details are in the council's announcement from 3 January 2025.
The council says the development has turned a long-derelict brownfield site into new council homes, "providing much-needed affordable housing for local people".
What the flats include
Heating. Energy-efficient glazing and air source heat pumps provide heating and hot water for all of the flats, according to the council.
Outdoor space. The council says residents get private outdoor space and a communal roof garden. The Planning Committee minutes of 6 March 2024 recorded that seven of the nine flats would have private terraces, as well as a communal roof terrace.
Getting around. The development has cycle storage and is close to local bus stops just outside.
"It's fantastic to see more new council homes ready for residents.
"This is a lovely building and I was struck by the quality of the build. Each flat has an air source heat pump for underfloor heating and they're really nicely finished. I'd like to thank our contractor Trinity Homes for doing such an excellent job.
"These are new council-rented homes the city so desperately needs and we hope the residents moving in will be very happy there."
Councillor Gill Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing, Brighton & Hove City Council
The site and the build
The homes stand on the former Hollingbury Library site at 137 Carden Hill, according to the council's project page for the site. The building began as a pub called The County Oak, built by the brewer Whitbread and opened in 1950. The pub moved to a neighbouring site in March 1961 and the building became Hollingbury Library, which opened in 1962.
The old library was demolished as part of the programme, and the council says the building contained asbestos and was beyond restoration or refurbishment. Planners approved the redevelopment for affordable housing in March 2024, and work started in January 2025. Trinity Homes built the new part three, part four storey block. The council's project page said it expected to complete the project by September 2026.
More council homes on the way
The council says Carden Hill is part of its New Homes for Neighbourhoods building programme. Other current projects include 222 new council homes and a new community hub in Moulsecoomb, and two developments about to begin in Portslade.
We have also reported on council plans for 20 affordable flats at Oakley House in Edward Street.
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