"This development ticks all the right boxes – a strong local need, a thoughtful housing mix and an emphasis on quality and energy performance"
- Toby Burgess - Paragon Bank
A former poultry site in Lewes, East Sussex, is set for redevelopment as Akehurst Homes moves ahead with plans to create a mixed-use scheme supported by a £19m revolving credit facility from Paragon Bank.
The project will deliver 52 energy-efficient homes alongside two commercial buildings intended to support local enterprise. It reflects Akehurst’s continued growth across the South East and follows progress on its development in New Romney, Kent.
The housing mix includes one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom detached homes, with a combination of terraces, semi-detached and detached properties. All homes will aim for EPC ratings of B or higher, with flexibility and performance forming core design principles.
Alongside the homes, two commercial buildings at the front of the site will provide seven business units with Class E usage. This classification permits a broad range of activities, including shops, offices, gyms, cafés, and light industrial uses. The inclusion is intended to support the local economy and contribute to a well-integrated neighbourhood.
Paragon Bank’s involvement is part of a wider regional focus, having recently provided £12.8m to WeBuild Developments for a residential conversion project in Chertsey, Surrey, and a £30m package for the Arundel Gate scheme in West Sussex, which will bring forward 90 all-electric homes.
The Lewes deal was structured by Paragon’s development finance team, led by relationship director Toby Burgess and senior portfolio manager Joshua Mann.
Toby Burgess said: “Akehurst Homes is a developer with a clear sense of purpose and a strong track record of delivery. This development ticks all the right boxes – a strong local need, a thoughtful housing mix and an emphasis on quality and energy performance. We’re pleased to work closely with the team on this second deal, following supporting them on their New Romney development, which is now at practical completion and selling well. We hope to support their growth on more innovative developments in future.”
Akehurst Homes is currently nearing completion on its New Romney site, where homes are moving through final construction and into sales. The Lewes development will be the latest addition to its pipeline of medium-scale projects aimed at delivering quality new homes across the region.
“This is a landmark project for us – not just in terms of size, but in the opportunity it presents to create a well-balanced and energy-conscious community," added James Lench, director at Akehurst Homes, "Lewes is a brilliant location with significant appeal for buyers, and we’re excited to bring forward homes that will truly cater effectively to a wide variety of people and lifestyles. The support from Paragon has been instrumental – the bank understands our vision and back our ambition to grow in a considered, sustainable way.”
