Plans submitted to demolish fire-ravaged Moira House School building

A planning application has been submitted to Eastbourne Borough Council to demolish and rebuild the original fire-ravaged Moira House School building.

Moira House School

 building. The structure, which was intended to be the "centrepiece" of a new residential development, was "completely gutted" by a major fire in October 2025. 

The updated proposal seeks to replace the historic school house with a new building that reflects the original's spirit, height, and form while utilizing sympathetic materials. 

Redevelopment Details:-

Once complete, the five-acre site will provide a total of 52 homes across several buildings:

• Moira House: To be rebuilt as a residential building containing eight apartments.
• Boston House: Refurbished into a 22-flat apartment block.
• Dunn House: Converted into three apartments and one house.
• New Dwellings: Construction of 17 new-build family houses.
• The Cottage: Conversion into a three-bedroom detached property

Project Background:-

• Original Approval: Initial plans to convert the existing historic buildings were approved in May 2022.
• Fire Incident: On October 19, 2025, a significant blaze broke out at the derelict site; Sussex Police treated the incident as arson and sought to identify four youths seen in the area.
• Current Progress: Developer James Taylor has confirmed that while the original school house is a total loss, work on other parts of the site—such as the conversion of Boston House—has been progressing as part of "Phase 1".