Business grant and relocation in Kent news

Monday 15th February 2010

Workers are returning to a stalled development on St Mary’s Island, Chatham Maritime, Kent, thanks to £6.93 million 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 the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and Countryside Properties.

Another 550 homes are forecast for the site in addition to around 1,200 homes and extensive community facilities which have been completed.

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.

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."

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, 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 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."
Source: 24dash.com

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