From an eyesore into flats

Hollenden House was purchased by developers for 2.15 million at a recent sale. The former retirement home for ex-servicemen in Buckhurst Road has been in a state of decay since it closed in 2003 for financial reasons. It was sold through Brighton-based auctioneer Clive Emson with full planning permission for conversion into 24 flats and retains a rear bungalow. The deal will be finalised in July. Architects have already started to draw up initial plans but developers, the Park Lane Group, admit it may be more viable to knock the building down and seek permission for a fresh scheme. The one-and-a-half acre site is said to be particularly valuable for its proximity to the seafront and Bexhill station, as well as its development potential. Hollenden House has long been viewed as one of the town's chief eye-sores by residents and the Observer called for action on the building in January. Park Lane Group acquisitions manager Adam Slater, said: "I think it is going to be a case of knocking it down and starting again. It does have the benefit of planning permission but how viable that is we don't really know yet. "Whatever happens it will be an architecturally striking scheme we put there. "The architects are on site and trying to work it out. There have been problems with squatters and rats in the building and other fun stuff but, as a local company, we are looking forward to doing something there. "Bexhill is a very vibrant town and there are other developments going on with the seafront and the redevelopment of the De La Warr Pavilion. It is in demand."