Former Swanley garage sites set to become social housing as part of £2.8m affordable homes scheme
14:43, 29 March 2021
updated: 16:24, 29 March 2021
Rows of rundown garages are set to be transformed into new social housing to tackle shortages in the area.
A total of 14 new affordable homes are to be constructed in Swanley to be managed by the West Kent Housing Association.
They will replace 67 old garages across three sites in Kettlewell Court, Pear Tree Close and Northview.
Builders Helix Group have been appointed to carry out the £2.8million project which is the largest regeneration plan of its kind the 7,900-home housing association has undertaken in recent years.
It will pave the way for a mixture of houses and flats to be let at affordable rent rates.
Kate Flaherty, property development and partnerships director at West Kent, said: “This is the first time in West Kent’s history that we have taken on a project like this.
"We’re replacing garages that weren’t fit for purpose anymore with homes for people that really need them.”
Chief executive Tracy Allison added: “We’re excited to see this project getting started and for our ambition to provide more affordable homes across Kent to be realised.”
Work will begin clearing and preparing the sites this month with construction starting in May.
Helix has pledged to use sustainable technologies, including ground-source heat pumps and solar panels in building the new homes.
This forms part of its eco-friendly goals to deliver up to 40% improvement in energy performance compared to current building regulations.
Nic Davies, managing director at Helix Group, said: “This is our first job with West Kent and we are really proud they have chosen us to deliver such an important project for them and their residents.
"As a local small and medium-sized enterprise builder and consultant we know the importance of providing good-quality affordable homes to help West Kent and others tackle the ongoing housing crisis in the region.”
He added: “Also, as the 14 new homes will be built on former garage sites in residential areas, our first-class resident liaison skills and proven track record in great community engagement will be key to the successful delivery of these homes.”
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