Legal and General to develop Brighton’s first Build To Rent scheme

Once complete, the scheme will provide more than 200 homes for elective renters in a central location, with L&G saying the project will play an important role in supporting the city’s increasing housing demands.

Situated between New England Street and Elder Place, 200 metres from Brighton train station, the development will also deliver 3,270 square metres of commercial space, to accommodate either a single occupier or arranged as incubator space to support start-ups and SMEs.

As part of the overall plans, a £746,000 contribution is being made towards the enhancement of the public realm along Elder Place.

Eleven schemes live

Legal and General entered the BTR sector in 2016 and now has eleven schemes in operation or development across the UK, delivering 3,700 homes for elective renters.

Dan Batterton, head of BTR at LGIM Real Assets, said that Brighton is an ever growing city where people want to live and work.

He added: “As a major employer in the area, we are delighted to have received permission to begin developing this scheme, transforming a rare warehouse brownfield site into a vibrant new place whilst helping to tackle Brighton’s shortage of housing.

“The UK needs urban centres that are fit for purpose and can support a creative and sustainable community like Brighton.

“We are pleased to be bringing the BTR concept to the city, demonstrating that renting can be an aspirational choice and supporting the workforce with the quality homes they deserve.”