Medway Council announced that they have been awarded almost £4 million in government funding to unlock unused land to create new homes.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has allocated £60 million to nearly 100 regeneration projects nationwide, with Medway receiving a substantial share of £3,968,371.
In collaboration with the Medway Development Company, these funds will support the second phase of the government’s £180 million Brownfield Land Release Fund, dedicated to transforming dormant land into vibrant communities.
Among the allocated funds, £1,700,000 will be directed towards the redevelopment of the iconic Strood Civic Site, resulting in 171 new homes.
This project follows the removal of the previous structure and the installation of flood defences, with £730,000 will be used to repurpose the former Debenhams building on Chatham High Street, converting part of the structure into residential space.
The government has granted £940,238 to facilitate the construction of 164 homes at Mountbatten House in Chatham.
These funds will cover essential tasks such as concrete repairs, structural enhancements, access route improvements, utility diversions, and minor demolition activities.
A portion of the funding, amounting to £363,137, will be channelled into the creation of a 100% affordable housing scheme at Lennox Wood, Petham Green, Twydall.
Another £234,996 will support the development of affordable housing at Aburound House in Woodlands Road, Gillingham, enabling the demolition and preparation of sites for 19 homes at Lennox Wood and an additional 18 homes for affordable rent at Aburound House.
Cllr Naushabah Khan, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing and Property, said: “We are delighted that we will be receiving almost £4million of government funding to unlock these important sites and build a range of much-needed new homes.
“This adds to a string of successful Medway bids for central government funding and is testament to the council’s reputation for ambition and delivery.
“I am particularly pleased that we will be building two developments which will be completely affordable.
“We are committed to sustainable development in Medway and I look forward to watching these exciting developments progress.”