News

Work has started on Phase 3 of Golding Homes’ £50m regeneration project in Park Wood, with the demolition of the outdated shops and flats in Wallis Avenue.

This final phase will see the development of 56 homes consisting of 38 flats for  affordable and market  rent, and 16 family homes for affordable rent and shared ownership, along with additional commercial units.

Phases 1 and 2 of the scheme were completed in March this year with the development of 146 new homes, as well as the creation of a new shopping area and community centre.  Many of the shop traders transferred over from the outdated shopping parade to the new retail units situated within a pedestrianised area across the road with flats above and a landscaped community square.

Owner of the Beauty Closet, Angela Raper was amongst the eight shop traders who moved to the new shops earlier this year.  She said: “It will be sad to see the old shop go as I had been there for over 15 years and have many happy memories, but I absolutely love my new shop.  It is bright and airy and my customers can park directly outside. I have exciting plans for my business and am looking forward to the future.”

This major development scheme has been led by local housing provider Golding Homes and is part of its long term vision to build quality affordable homes for local people and to develop sustainable communities.  The contract to deliver Phase 3 was awarded to Rydon, one of the country’s leading regeneration developers with a track record of delivering award-winning community-focused projects in the South East of England.  

Keith Mandy, Head of Regeneration and Construction for Golding Homes said: “We are delighted to have made a start on the final phase of this major development.  This scheme has transformed the centre of Park Wood and created an attractive and safer environment where people choose to live, and we are really grateful to everyone who has contributed to the success of this project.”

Ben Finch, Contracts Manager for Rydon Construction, commented: “It is always exciting to start work on a new project, but this development is particularly important as it represents the final piece in the jigsaw for the Wallis Fields’ regeneration scheme into high quality new homes, shops and community facilities. As a considerate constructor we’re looking forward to working closely with Golding Homes to deliver this scheme and help shape better living for local people.”

Golding Homes has been working in partnership with Consultants calfordseaden LLP and PCKO Architects on the development of the scheme, with support from Maidstone Borough Council and funding from the Homes and Communities Agency.

The Wallis Fields scheme is amongst twenty-four projects across the county that have been shortlisted in the Kent Design and Development Awards 2016.  Organised and sponsored by DHA, Kent County Council, and PR and marketing agency Maxim, this awards takes place very two years to reward and celebrate construction achievements across Kent.

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