Government ‘Kickstart’ finance is providing £6.93 million of funding to continue Countryside Maritime’s residential developments on St Mary’s Island, Chatham Maritime, Kent. The Kickstart scheme is provided through the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and it will go towards building 102 of the 550 new homes yet to be provided at St Mary’s Island. The new phases of the development, which is a joint venture between Countryside Properties and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), have recently recieved planning approval and work on site will start immediately.
Much Needed New Homes
Chris Crook, Managing Director of Countryside Properties Southern, comments: “This funding marks an exciting new stage at St Mary’s Island and we are delighted that we can work together with the HCA to make this possible. The new homes planned for the Sail Loft and the continuation for the phase previously called North Shore will ensure that we continue to regenerate this unique waterside location, and provide much needed sustainable, eco-friendly homes.”
Jonathan Sadler, Thames Gateway development director at SEEDA, said: “We are extremely pleased that the Kickstart funding will allow construction to recommence on St Mary’s Island, Chatham Maritime, which is one of the largest regeneration sites in the Thames Gateway. The construction project will boost employment in the area as well as helping to meet the demand for high quality new homes in the region ."
The design of the new houses and apartments ensures that this attractive development blends with the existing properties on the Island. The new phase will showcase a combination of traditional Kentish-style architecture and crisp modern design.
A New Community
Throughout St Mary’s Island, the properties have been built to include sustainable features which have a low impact on the environment. The new properties at the Sail Loft will be built to Eco Homes rating of ‘Very Good’, whereas the remainder will be built to the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) Level 4, and allow purchasers to live greener lifestyles through the reduced carbon footprint of their homes.
With the River Medway and Chatham Maritime Marina providing a backdrop, the Island incorporates over 20 acres of open space with footpaths and cycle paths throughout. The Island is also home to a community centre, doctors’ surgery and a primary school.
St Mary’s Island is located off the A289 and is approximately one mile north of Chatham town centre. The M25 and A2 are also easily accessible and there are now frequent train services to London St Pancras from Ebbsfleet International with a journey time of approximately 17 minutes*.
The first show homes are anticipated to be ready in June. To register your interest telephone: 01277 260 000 or visit: www.stmarysisland.uk.com
* www.thetrainline.com