Community
The waterside regeneration specialists have developed the homes on behalf of Legal & General Affordable homes
Peel Waters and Legal & General Affordable Homes (LGAH) have marked a major construction milestone, reaching full practical completion of a new affordable rent and shared ownership development at Chatham Waters in Medway, Kent.
Located within the waterside neighbourhood of Chatham Waters which is just 45 minutes outside central London by train, the new development consists of one- and two- bedroom apartments, as well as three- bedroom townhouses. The 237 new homes offer 139 homes available for Shared Ownership with LGAH and 98 homes available for Affordable Rent at the Local Housing Allowance level, providing high quality homes to those on Medway Council’s affordable housing waiting list.
The Cavalier Court development is split across two blocks, named Minerva Place and Victory Place; the development is LGAH’s largest affordable housing development in the UK. LGAH’s significant investment in new affordable homes in Gillingham represents a key milestone for the area’s regeneration and a strong sign of demand in Chatham Waters as a location.
By working in close partnership with Peel Waters who are also the landowners and master planners of the wider Chatham Waters neighbourhood; Legal & General Affordable Homes have been able to regenerate this key development plot to provide high-quality affordable homes for local residents and the community.
Peel Waters who were the developer of the site used local contractor O’Halloran & O’Brien Group as their building partner to deliver the scheme. 170 local people were employed to work on the construction of the site, as well as enlisting the help off students from the onsite Waterfront UTC offering them valuable on-site learning and upskilling opportunities.
Peel has already invested over £125 million into Chatham Waters, to create new homes, the onsite Waterfront UTC, improved infrastructure and inviting spaces and public realm, including the waterfront promenade which was recently used as the location for a residents’ summer social. The event which was organised by Peel Waters and delivered in partnership by Legal & General Affordable Homes, O’Halloran and O’Brien Group; Way of Life, Avison Young and X1 Sales and Lettings; brought hundreds of neighbours together for a party on the promenade and featured live music and performances, mini golf, an artisan market and local street food traders.
James Whittaker, Managing Director, Peel Waters said: “We’re very proud to have reached full practical completion on such an excellent scheme. We have a strong track record as a developer and to deliver high-quality, affordable housing in Medway on behalf of Legal & General Affordable Homes; has brought a lot of pride and joy to our team.
“To complete a scheme of this scale and quality, partnership working was essential, and we’d like to thank our local building partner O’Halloran & O’Brien Group, their apprentices and the local students who have all worked on this brilliant development.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to remember our friend and colleague Andrew Malcolm Dickson. Andrew sadly passed away before he could see the completion on this scheme, however he was instrumental in the delivery and quality of these homes. He remains dearly missed by our team, but his memory lives on, and this development is testament to his hard work, attention to detail and quality of work.”
Ema Blay, Head of Delivery at Legal & General Affordable Homes, said: “When Legal and General Affordable Homes were first introduced to this site in 2020, we were immediately excited by Peel’s vision and ambition for Chatham Waters and their clear mandate for well designed, good quality, mixed tenure housing. We shared Peel’s enthusiasm for creating a new neighbourhood and the benefits it would bring for both new and existing residents. Through collaboration with Peel, OHOB, professional consultants and the Team at Medway Council, Legal and General Affordable Homes have delivered a total of 236 affordable homes – Our largest scheme to date!
97 of these new homes are to be offered as affordable rent to applicants from the Medway’s housing waiting list and a further 139 will be offered as shared ownership. We have seen high levels of interest and sales activity from purchasers and people are now in a position to call Chatham Waters home. This scheme perfectly embodies Legal and General Affordable Homes commitment to building thriving communities where people can flourish. Chatham Waters is a shining example of our vision for high-quality, affordable homes that serve as a foundation for brighter futures.”
These new homes which are available for shared ownership and affordable rent will add a further mix of tenures available within Chatham Waters which supports Peel Waters’ vision to create a place for everyone. The growing waterside neighbourhood also already includes BTR and PRS developments, whilst a care home and elderly living development is due to start on site imminently.
Chatham Waters is part of Peel Waters, a UK wide portfolio of vibrant and innovative, waterfront developments, delivering large-scale, sustainable regeneration projects, creating jobs, economic growth, new homes and new public realm across the country.
Homes at Cavalier Court are now available to move into.
To find out more about the development and to arrange a viewing please visit: CAVALIER COURT
For general enquiries please contact hello@peelwaters.co.uk
For press and media enquires related to Peel Waters, please email: Emma Green egreen@peel.co.uk or Kate Holland kholland@peel.co.uk