Brooke Mead is Brighton & Hove City Council’s first ‘extra-care’ housing scheme, with 45 self-contained flats designed for people living independently with low to moderate dementia, and others who need a degree of care and support. The project forms part of the council’s New Homes for Neighbourhoods programme which aims to build 500 new rented homes on council-owned land. It was designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios up to planning submission with all stages beyond RIBA stage C handled by Lee Evans Partnership.
The Brooke Mead development comprises flats, each with a double bedroom, a kitchen/living room and wet room bathroom. The building has a communal garden, lounge and social activity rooms at ground level, and the council is working with a range of organisations to develop a vibrant and active community. Carers are on site around the clock if needed.
With a growing number of older people in Brighton and increasing pressure on adult social care budgets, the scheme is located in the city centre Brighton to be near to existing local communities. The intention is to help prevent or delay people needing more costly residential care, as well as providing a high standard of accommodation within a dedicated community.
Modelled on a mansion block, the brick building has a communal entrance and reception at ground floor, opening onto a planted garden. Well-lit shared circulation leads to the accommodation on the first floor. Dementia-friendly design has been used throughout to aid those with sensory, mobility or cognitive impairments. The project was designed to HAPPI principles and is set to achieve BREEAM Very Good rating.
