Update on new high-tech affordable homes in Hastings

Councillors and officers from Hastings Borough Council’s Housing Taskforce have visited Holmhurst St Mary, where Southern Housing are delivering affordable homes in partnership with Thakeham Partnerships Limited, the council and Homes England.

Set in extensive areas of woodland and public open space, the development also includes a unique opportunity to restore and reinstate a Grade 2 listed statue of Queen Anne, with landscaping to showcase the monument.

Unveiled to the public in 1713, the statue was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and installed at St Paul’s Cathedral; a replica can now be found there. At some point thereafter, the original was bought and installed in Holmhurst St Mary by Victorian writer Augustus Hare.

The statue has been transported back to London, where restoration works are being undertaken by a specialist stonemason. We anticipate this being returned by spring 2025.

There will be 104 homes for affordable rent and 104 shared ownership homes. Some residents have already moved in, with the rest of the development due to be occupied gradually, before the final home is completed towards the end of 2025.

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, lead councillor for housing and community wellbeing, said: “It was great to visit this site as part of our continued tour of new homes in the borough. It is really exciting to see the different elements to this site, including the fascinating history of the Queen Anne statue.

“I’m pleased that Southern have capped the rent at local housing rate so these homes will be truly affordable for their new residents, who I am looking forward to meeting.”

Luke Chandler, director of delivery at Southern Housing added: “It was great to welcome Hastings Borough Council’s housing taskforce to Holmhurst and this development shows what can be achieved through strong partnership working.

“We remain committed to investing in good quality new homes that helps to meet increasing housing need. We look forward to giving more people the keys to their new home at Holmhurst in the future.”

You can find out more about the homes online at www.shnewhomes.co.uk/properties/holmhurst-gardens