UNISON Affiliate Demands NHS Bosses Stop Former Hospital Sale To Private Developers

B&H Citizens with NHS bosses

A citizens’ group is urging NHS bosses to ringfence a former hospital site for affordable housing for keyworkers.

Brighton UNISON sits on the leadership committee of Brighton Citizens.

B&H Citizens demanded the NHS Trust ensure the land the hospital is built on, as well as out-of-use buildings, aren't sold to private developers as it would make the housing crisis worse that it already is.

The land the Brighton General is built on was gifted to the NHS in the 1940s for the benefit of the people of Brighton. Previously the site had been used as a workhouse.

Yet, the Trust is now beginning to suggest it could be sold to private developers. However, a feasibility study conducted by Cornerstone Place concluded that up to 700 genuinely affordable homes could be delivered on the site, alongside the health hub, while keeping the land in public ownership and achieving a sustainable long-term return.