Our new, transformational development in Corporation Street, Rochester marked a key milestone when it was officially topped out by The Worshipful the Mayor of Medway, Councillor Steve Iles.
We, alongside Chartway Group, presented our development on Friday 22 June, to celebrate the roof being finished, a key stage in the build process.
"This is the first residential site that people see as they enter the town and it is conducive to the regeneration that is happening in many parts of Medway."
The Mayor of Medway, Councillor Steve Iles
Staff from mhs homes, Chartway Group, bptw and the Mayor of Medway
The development, PriME1, will provide 89 homes, 53 for shared ownership and 36 for rent and is due to be completed next year.
It was previously occupied by just 36 homes, built in the late 1920s and 1950s, which fell short of contemporary housing standards.
We received final approval to start work on redeveloping the site in January 2017.
CGI image of the Rochester development
"This is a vital development in the regeneration of Rochester and makes a positive contribution to alleviating housing need in the area.
"House prices are almost nine times the average salary and escalating, meaning home ownership is unaffordable for many . These homes will provide a great opportunity for people on lower incomes to have a dream home with wonderful views over Rochester.
"There’s never been a greater need for organisations like us to provide safe, secure affordable homes to those in housing need."
Sarah Paxton, Assistant Director of Development and Regeneration at mhs homes
Development in progress, taken June 2018
Each property will include a fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and high quality fixtures and fittings.
"Since the start of this project, we have been committed to delivering the vision set out in this scheme.
"By reaching the topping-out ceremony on these modern apartments means we are on track to helping to redevelop this area and meet local housing needs."
Tim McLoughlin, Projects Director at Chartway Group
Other key features will include a new tree-lined boulevard on the east side of Corporation Street, supporting Medway Council’s ambition for Corporation Street by significantly improving the streetscape environment and local appearance.
The view from the top of PriME1 development
The housing scheme is part-funded by £1.59 million through the Homes England Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme.
"This topping out ceremony is an important milestone in the development of these much needed affordable homes for Rochester residents.
"We are pleased to have funded these new homes as part of Homes England's commitment to increasing the supply of affordable homes and look forward to seeing them completed next year."
Carol Cairns, Head of Homes Ownership and Supply for the South East from Homes England