albion street

Situated on a prominent brownfield site overlooking Shoreham Harbour, Albion Street marks the next chapter in Adur District Council’s reinvigorated commitment to council housebuilding—following the landmark success of Cecil Norris House.

The scheme delivers 49 high-quality, energy-efficient homes for local residents on the housing waiting list, addressing a pressing need for affordable housing across the district.

Commissioned by Adur District Council and delivered through Adur Homes, the development comprises a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments arranged across two low-rise masonry buildings.

The architectural language responds to the site’s industrial and maritime setting, with a carefully modulated scale and massing that integrates sensitively with the surrounding townscape. Each home benefits from private outdoor space and expansive views towards either the harbour or the South Downs, reinforcing a strong sense of place.

Sustainability is central to the scheme’s design. A communal heating system enhances energy efficiency over traditional individual units, while green roofs improve biodiversity, reduce water run-off, and enhance the visual amenity. Secure cycle storage and a shared plant room promote low-carbon lifestyles and operational resilience.

Despite significant challenges—including the pandemic, technical site constraints, and the administration of the original contractor—the project endured, testament to the council’s commitment to public housing delivery. Construction resumed under Sussex-based Cheesmur Building Contractors, with completion anticipated in 2025.

Albion Street demonstrates how constrained urban sites can be reimagined as socially ambitious and architecturally coherent housing. It reflects the practice team’s strength in working with local authorities to deliver low-energy, dignified homes—establishing a new benchmark for harbour-side regeneration where social value leads design ambition.49 new apartments for Adur District Council.