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9 February 2010
Work is starting again on a stalled development on St Mary’s Island, Chatham Maritime, Kent, thanks to £6.93m of Kickstart funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
Work stopped on the 60 hectare St Mary’s Island in 2009 as the economic downturn hit the construction industry hard. With the funding now in place the next two phases of the scheme can begin again on Britain’s only planned new island community.
The development is being managed by Countryside Maritime Ltd, a joint venture between Countryside Properties and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). Another 550 homes are forecast for the site in addition to around 1,200 homes and extensive community facilities which have been completed.
Chris Crook, subsidiary managing director at Countryside Properties, said: “St Mary’s Island, Chatham Maritime is a key scheme in the regeneration of Medway and this funding will help reinvigorate the project providing many more new and affordable homes, as well as employment for the local area.
“We are delighted that we can now move forward the delivery of the next phases which we’re very keen to do. We will therefore be starting on site immediately and expect to complete the first of the new homes later this year.”
Akin Durojowu, head of area at the HCA, said: “Britain’s only planned new island community can now get back on track. I’m delighted the HCA is able to work with and support our partners in transforming the former Naval Dockyard into a well-designed, sustainable and affordable community.”
The scheme has high standards of design, planning and sustainability with affordable homes blended throughout the community.
Jonathan Sadler, Thames Gateway development director at SEEDA, said: “We are delighted that the Kickstart funding will enable construction to recommence on St. Mary’s Island, one of the largest regeneration sites in the Thames Gateway.
“Our vision has been to create a well designed and sustainable community providing an attractive and peaceful place for people to live. The Island already has a primary school, GP doctors’ surgery, pharmacy, mature parkland, riverside walks, a community centre and employment opportunities within walking distance. ”
The project has already been supported by a £1.65m National Affordable Housing Grant from the HCA and £2.47m from SEEDA.
Steve Nunn, Moat's executive director: development and new business, said; "We are thrilled that the next phase of homes at St Mary's Island is moving forward. When completed, it will provide even more high quality homes in Chatham. Moat will be very pleased to offer affordable homes to local people in housing need at this prestigious development."
The funding forms part of the HCA’s national Kickstart programme to help stalled developments across the country.
Housing Minister, John Healey MP, added: “The power of Government investment is building the homes this country needs and supporting the construction industry at a time when it needs it most. This site in Kent was stalled by the recession but thanks to Kickstart cash, workers are getting back on site. Getting the work underway again means more jobs and apprentices in the area.”
Ends
Notes :
The Homes and Communities Agency is the single, national housing and regeneration agency for England. The HCA’s role is to create opportunity for people to live in high quality, sustainable places. They provide funding for affordable housing, bring land back into productive use and improve quality of life by raising standards for the physical and social environment. For more information visit www.homesandcommunities.co.uk
Moat is a housing association providing affordable homes in thriving communities for people in the South East. For over forty years, Moat has delivered high quality general needs homes for affordable rent, supported accommodation and tenancy support services, and has a strong affordable home ownership offer. .
Moat is one of the Homes and Communities Agency's development partners and is also the government's appointed HomeBuy Agent in Essex, Kent and Sussex. Employing 450 people, Moat provides excellent customer service to residents of our 20,000 affordable rented and shared ownership homes. www.moat.co.uk
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Information correct as at 09/02/2010