Later living developer-operator, Untold Living, backed by Matter Real Estate, the London-based real estate investment firm, has secured a resolution to grant planning permission for a new 126-home beachfront integrated retirement community (IRC) in Eastbourne.
The consent follows seven months of close consultation with local residents and councillors to adjust the development’s design, following Eastbourne Borough Council’s previous verdict to defer its decision.
Untold Living acquired the 2.5-acre site at Sovereign Harbour from Birch Limited in November 2023. It then worked with a multi-disciplinary design and construction team to create a scheme that will serve both residents and their families, as well as the local community in Eastbourne.
The IRC will provide much-needed later living accommodation to older generations in Eastbourne and surrounding areas and provide residents with access to 24-7 support and care scaled to meet individual needs, helping to relieve the growing pressure on local health and social care services.
Designed by architecture practice, Gaunt Francis, the seafront development hosts a façade that reflects Eastbourne’s maritime history and delivers one and two-bedroom apartments alongside a range of high-quality amenities, including a bar and bistro, various spaces for leisure activities and new planting, landscaping, and gardens.
Each of the apartments will have access to private outdoor space, whether a terrace or patio, while communal facilities at ground level will include front and rear entrances to encourage social interaction, for both residents and non-residents.
It will also offer a welcome boost for the local economy, creating up to 50 full and part-time jobs, plus around 100 construction jobs and as many as 30 apprenticeships.
Russell Jewell, CEO at Untold Living, said: “For Untold Living, providing the right homes in the right places is just as importantas delivering the volume of homes to meet the needs of the UK’s ageing population. We know that quality is just as important as quantity if we’re going to help alleviate the ongoing housing shortage and relieve pressure on our NHS.”
“Today marks a significant step forward in our ambitions to grow our portfolio and deliver exemplary integrated retirement communities.”
“This development will prioritise local residential needs, allowing them to continue to live independently while removing pressure from local healthcare services and providing a range of new spaces and facilities for the local community to enjoy. Following substantial redesign through the course of our discussions with the local planning authority, we are delighted with the result and look forward to continuing to be long-term partners for the town.”
