Our vision is to replace 21 homes with an additional 27, providing 48 new homes for older people, continuing our ambition to help end the housing crisis in north Kent.
The existing properties at St Clements House, Corporation Street, Rochester, are no longer fit for purpose. Our proposal is to replace them with 48 one-bedroom apartments, specifically designed for residents over 60-years-old.
A planning application is being submitted to Medway Council later this Spring, following a public consultation event, which took place in February 2020.
The homes, which we plan to be available for affordable and social rent, will form the next step in our exciting regeneration work happening in Rochester.
We’ve already provided 89 homes along Corporation Street; 53 for shared ownership and 36 for private rent. The homes have views of the River Medway, Rochester Castle and Cathedral and are a stone’s throw from the railway station and High Street.
Continuing to redevelop this site makes the best sense for the local area, which has undergone extensive regeneration over recent years, including £14.3m of investment from us in quality housing.
"We need to meet the changing demands of our population. Providing homes for older people will offer them a secure, affordable home in a sought-after location, that’s easily adaptable to their changing needs, whilst helping to free up much-needed larger family homes. We are committed to providing good quality, affordable homes to help end the housing crisis in north Kent", said Sarah Paxton, Assistant Director Development and Regeneration at mhs homes.
The homes are being designed following the guidelines of the Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation (HAPPI).
"We envisage St Clements House as a benchmark scheme for independent living within Medway’s urban environment. Targeting those aged 60+, the scheme has been designed to address the issue of loneliness and promote social interaction. Having provided 89 homes at Corporation Street last year, BPTW are continuing to work with mhs homes to regenerate the Rochester area, with St Clements House completing the transformation of this part of Corporation Street and the boulevard", said Chris Bath, Partner and Architect at bptw.
If planning is approved, the 48 new homes will be split across five to seven storeys and each home will include a winter balcony, a communal lounge, bike provisions and more.
