Celebrating Golding Homes £50m regeneration of Park Wood
Last Friday (12 July) the Mayor of Maidstone, Councillor Marion Ring, attended a special event to celebrate Golding Homes multi-million pound regeneration of Park Wood in Maidstone. The transformation of the Wallis Avenue area from a 1960’s estate has also been recognised by making the shortlist of the Sunday Times British Homes Awards.
The five-year project was undertaken in three phases, with the regeneration creating over 200 modern new homes with a mix of affordable rent, shared ownership and market rent, as well as improved retail facilities for 13 commercial units.
Speaking at the event Golding Homes Chief Executive Gary Clark said; “We are delighted to welcome the Mayor of Maidstone here today, alongside other special guests to celebrate the completion of the regeneration of Park Wood. I am very proud of the work we have done to transform the area and improve the lives of local people.”
I would like to thank all our partners who have helped to realise these ambitions and I’m delighted that this brilliant scheme has been recognised by making the Sunday Times British Homes Awards shortlist.”
The Mayor of Maidstone, Councillor Marion Ring, who unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion said: “It’s marvellous to see the Wallis Fields regeneration completed and lovely that local residents have these quality new homes to live in. For me the greatest thing is that people have homes, it’s my passion and always will be. I hope Golding Homes continue to regenerate more areas in the future.”
The £50m regeneration project has unlocked the potential of the area by increasing the number of quality family homes and improving access to the local park, schools and amenities. The project team worked closely with local residents to help create the basis for a diverse, thriving community.
The project focused on “place creation”, with developments clustered in small courtyards, in secluded but safe parking areas following “home zone” principles, to encourage both safety and greater levels of resident interaction. Golding Homes worked closely with Maidstone Borough Council who own the neighbouring park and carried out the landscape works directly via the build contract. Planning contributions were used to provide a skate park and outdoor gym area within the adjacent park.
The design of Park Wood is based upon a modern Kent vernacular appearance with styles reflecting and respecting local traditions, in a modern, confident and colourful vibrant style to brighten up the area.
Golding Homes worked closely with Maidstone Borough Council and key partners were: architects PCKO, Hunters and Mark Hanton Studios, contractors Bouygues (UK) Ltd (phase 1 & 2) and Rydon Construction (phase 3). The employer agent was calfordseaden, Fairhurst GGA & Kirk Saunders were the civil engineers and TDS (Southern) were utilities consultants.