On Friday 9 July, Golding Homes invited local community stakeholders to an event that showcased their proposed multi-million-pound investment plans for the Cambridge Crescent area of Shepway in Maidstone.
Helen Whately, MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, and Councillor David Burton, Leader of Maidstone Borough Council were among some of the stakeholders invited to the event.
Guests received a warm welcome from Golding Homes’ Tom Casey, director of Development and Sales, and Annemarie Roberts, Director of Operations, at the Shepway Hub, Golding’s on-site presence within the local community.
Visitors were provided with a visual overview of the exciting plans to transform the area by developing approximately 240 new sustainable, high-quality, energy-efficient homes, a modern updated shopping area, and attractive safe public zones.
They then went on a guided walk of the area, so they could see first-hand some of the current challenges and how the proposals could be brought to life.
Helen Whately, MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, said: “It was great meeting with Golding Homes to tour the proposed regeneration area in Cambridge Crescent, Shepway.
“Getting investment in new housing and facilities is good news for the local community and is thanks to the hard work of a lot of people, including local councillors.
“The focus of any development needs to be on making life better for people who live in Shepway.”
Councillor David Burton, leader of Maidstone Borough Council, said “This is great news for Shepway. It’s long overdue and we really look forward to the delivery of a fantastic scheme and improved housing for people that really need it, in a great community.
“Working alongside Golding Homes, the council will work on the opportunities for local employment skills training and even more opportunity for everyone.”
After the conclusion of its recent consultation, Golding’s teams hand delivered approximately 200 information packs to all customers and neighbouring homes affected by the proposed regeneration plans.
Keith Mandy, Regeneration and Strategic project manager at Golding Homes, said: “We received a response rate of just under 40% to our survey, with over 86% of those being in favour of our proposals to regenerate the area.
“We’re currently working through the key themes from the survey results and are still on-site and available to listen to any views that our customers may have.
“Furthermore, the official planning process will also include further consultation, so views and opinions can also be expressed at that stage.”
Tom Casey, director of Development and Sales at Golding Homes, said: “We’ve always highlighted that we’re committed to involving local Shepway residents and businesses as much as possible to achieve a joint vision for the area.
“We would like to thank those customers and local people who have taken the opportunity to feed back their thoughts and help us with developing our proposals for the area.”
Golding Homes is working with Public Art Consultants Francis Knight and Kent artist, Jonathan Wright, to create a unique identity and character for the Shepway redevelopment.
Image: Tom Casey, director of Development and Sales, Helen Whately, MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, Keith Mandy, Regeneration and Strategic project manager, and Annemarie Roberts, Director of Operations
Read next: Futures Housing Group delivers 18 homes in the village of Crich
Are you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.