Over 1,000 migrants will be accommodated at the Northeye site in East Sussex as part of efforts to reduce hotel usage.

Under new government plans, over 1,000 asylum seekers will be housed at a former prison site in East Sussex. Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick revealed on Wednesday that, in addition to two former military bases, the “separate site” in Bexhill would be repurposed to house migrants in basic accommodation.

The site, once known as Northeye prison, was closed in 1992 and later used as a training centre until its closure four years ago. Despite concerns from local authorities, including Bexhill MP Huw Merriman, the government plans to use repurposed barrack blocks and portacabins to house asylum seekers, aiming to reduce reliance on expensive hotel accommodation.

The Home Office anticipates that up to 1,200 people could be accommodated at the Northeye site, though significant work is needed to make it suitable. Local councils have expressed concerns over the impact of housing asylum seekers in the area, with some considering legal action against plans for other sites.