TopHat has agreed to a £50m deal with Man GPM, the private markets business of Man Group, to deliver up to 226 zero-carbon homes on a site in Lewes, East Sussex, using modern methods of construction.
The homes will be targeted at key workers and those in need of affordable rental housing, in addition to shared-ownership provision.
Subject to the approval of reserved matters, work is planned to start on site in 2024.
Every home that rolls off TopHat’s production lines is capable of being zero-carbon, meaning no operational emissions are produced from heating and utilities. This is achieved through technology such as solar panels, air source heat pumps and battery storage.
Jordan Rosenhaus, founder and chief executive of TopHat, said: “Our use of low-carbon technologies and cutting-edge manufacturing processes mean that TopHat can deliver future-proofed assets at pace so that income can be received sooner in the development cycle.
“Our partnership with Man GPM will help address some of society’s most pressing issues – namely, the chronic shortage of affordable housing and the cost-of-living crisis. Diversifying the supply of new-builds will be vital in increasing the supply of energy-efficient housing across the UK.”
Shamez Alibhai, managing director and head of community housing at Man GPM, said: “The development at Old Malling Farm is a clear demonstration of the positive outcomes that socially and environmentally responsible capital can deliver to local communities.
“The homes will address the dual crisis of housing affordability and climate change, while delivering a high-quality place-based development to meet the aspirations of the local council and residents.”
He added: “By working together with progressive partners like TopHat, we have demonstrated that communities no longer have to choose between quality, affordability and sustainability.”
To send feedback, e-mail akanksha.soni@eg.co.uk or tweet @AkankshaEG or @EGPropertyNews
Discover which agents have been most active in East Sussex so far this year >>
