Golding Homes is celebrating delivering over 150 homes during 2020, despite the impact of COVID-19 and various lockdown periods.
The social landlord, based in Maidstone, Kent, has worked with construction partners to deliver 154 new homes since 1 April 2020, meaning 566 local people now have a new home in which to live.
When the government announced the initial lockdown on 23 March, the construction industry was forced to stop all work on development sites.
At the time, Golding Homes had 23 development sites that it has to close across Kent.
“As we first entered into lockdown, we knew this could have a huge impact on delivering new affordable homes to people who need them,” said Tom Casey, director of Development and Sales at Golding Homes.
“However, as the lockdown eased, we were able to speak to our construction partners about returning to site in a COVID-safe way.”
Out of the 154 new homes delivered, 114 were for affordable rent and 40 for sale through the Shared Ownership scheme.
Located across Maidstone, Ashford, Medway, and Faversham, the new developments have housed a total of 566 people since April.
Golding customer Alex recently moved into a new Shared Ownership home with his wife and three-year-old son.
New homes at Golding’s Hermitage Park development in Barming
Commenting on moving into his new home in Orchard Green, Faversham, Alex said: “When we picked up the keys, we felt ecstatic. After a three-month period of stress it was great to get the keys and move in.”
Casey added: “As a local landlord, we understand that the pandemic has left many of our residents and partners struggling.
“But, working with our construction partners, which includes a mix of large housebuilders and smaller local contractors, we have delivered some fantastic new homes and supported the local economy through these investments.”
Golding Homes is a housing association that owns and manages just under 8,000 homes in Kent.
Image: Golding Homes customers Alex and his wife moving into their new home in Faversham
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