DML are pleased to be involved as equity investors in this prestigious scheme.

Moira House, known as Roedean Moira House School, came to market following permanent closure of the school in 2020. It sits within the Meads Conservation Area of Eastbourne within easy reach of the town centre and abutting the South Downs National Park.

A JV consortium led by AndCompany and Knightsbridge Capital secured exclusivity to purchase the site at the end of 2020. DML, along with a small group of investors, provided the equity to purchase the site and fund the re-development of the buildings for private residential use.

The professional team included Jo Saady of Ecotecture as Architect who has strong ecological credentials and experience in heritage assets.

The resulting proposal involved the sympathetic conversion of the three old school buildings into 52 homes comprising 33 apartments, 2 houses and 17 new build family houses with dedicated parking, landscaping, communal amenity space and play space. The development creates a new sense of place with a new street and three distinct Gothically influenced houses that retain the character of existing Moira House, Boston House and Dunn House. This is mixed with smaller units and timber barn influenced houses. A big rear car park was also key to the design and in keeping with resident needs. However, the car strategy hides the majority of parking provision in an under croft with a large bee friendly green space to screen it.

The application was unanimously approved by Eastbourne Planning Committee in May 2022 after extensive and open public consultation Viability and S106 obligations have been closed out under Reserved Matters over the summer.

The project represents a healthy return for equity shareholders over an 18-month investment period. Work continues with DML on an exit strategy and wider procurement plan and delivery programme.