Gravesend, North Kent – Brownfield sites in North Kent are set to undergo a significant transformation into affordable housing, following a government grant of £1.6 million awarded to Gravesham Borough Council.
The funding comes from the Department for Levelling Up’s Brownfield Land Release Fund, aimed at revitalizing previously developed land for new housing projects.
The grant will specifically support the redevelopment of Milton Place in Gravesend, marking the inaugural project for the Gravesend Community Investment Partnership (GCIP).
This partnership is a collaboration between the council and the Hill Group, a development company known for its commitment to sustainable and community-focused building projects.
The total award of £1,628,757 is a pivotal investment intended to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes in the area. GCIP is currently in the process of preparing a planning application for the Milton Place site, with expectations of moving forward shortly.
Karina O’Malley, the cabinet member for housing services at Gravesham Borough Council, expressed enthusiasm about the project and its potential impact on the community.
“We have ambitious plans to speed up the delivery of affordable housing and to bring down the numbers of households on our housing register,” O’Malley stated.
She highlighted the council’s commitment to building hundreds of new council-owned homes, citing the recent opening of the development at Armoury Drive earlier this year and the upcoming construction at St Patrick’s Gardens.
The initiative to repurpose brownfield sites is part of a broader strategy to address the pressing housing crisis in the region, where many families struggle to find affordable living options.
The redevelopment of sites like Milton Place not only aims to increase the availability of affordable housing but also to enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of the community.
Andy Hill, the group chief executive of the Hill Group, emphasized the importance of the government funding in realizing their plans. “Securing this government funding is a crucial step forward in making our plans a reality,” he said.
The collaboration between the council and the Hill Group underscores a collective commitment to addressing local housing needs while promoting sustainable development practices.
This funding injection into Gravesham’s housing market is part of a larger trend across the UK, where local authorities are increasingly turning to brownfield redevelopment as a solution to housing shortages.
By transforming these underutilized sites, councils can not only provide much-needed homes but also revitalize neighborhoods, reduce urban sprawl, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
As Gravesham Borough Council prepares to submit its planning application, the community awaits further details on the Milton Place project.
The council’s proactive approach in seeking government assistance reflects a determination to create a more livable and affordable environment for current and future residents.
With the backing of the Brownfield Land Release Fund, Gravesham’s initiative is poised to set a precedent for similar projects across the region, ultimately benefiting the local population and enhancing the overall quality of life in North Kent.
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