Christian Fields, Gravesend, Kent
Working in partnership with Moat and in conjunction with Gravesham Borough Council and the Homes and Communities Agency, Countryside Properties is currently undertaking the £60m regeneration of Christian Fields, replacing lifetime expired housing with 426 mixed-tenure new homes.
By the turn of the century the 208 original post-war three and four bedroom houses at Christian Fields were beyond economic repair and the estate itself had spiraled into decline with problems such as unemployment, crime and fly-tipping becoming rife. Comprehensive redevelopment was required and Gravesham Borough Council selected Moat, Countryside Properties and PRP Architects to carry it out.
A masterplan and housetypes were prepared for resident consultation. Indeed, residents at Christian Fields have been fully involved in the designs of the new homes and the masterplan with local exhibitions and a resident steering group being set-up.
The new homes reflect resident preferences for a traditional style of family home. Tenants who wish to stay at Christian Fields are guaranteed one of the new homes. Existing home owners are able to sell their homes to the partners at market value and those who wish to remain are offered an 'equity share' programme to ensure they can afford one of the new homes.
Homes range from two to five bedrooms giving residents a varied choice of property. The estate itself is being improved with more varied streetscapes, new public open space and home zones to improve safety and accessibility.
Work on the first phase of 75 new homes was completed in Summer 2008, including the private sale of 25 homes. The second phase of 110 homes commenced in 2010.
A comprehensive community investment programme has been undertaken to enable cultural change on the estate. Its success has led to crime and anti-social behaviour being substantially reduced since the project began.
"The transformation of Christian Fields is making great progress, with the area once again becoming a place where people choose to live. You get a real sense that the place is heading in the right direction."
Sally Rice, Moat Development Director