Countryside Properties : Green light for next phase of homes at Rochester Riverside

Countryside, the UK's leading mixed-tenure developer, and Hyde, one of the largest housing associations in the country, have had their planning application for Phase 3 of Rochester Riverside, their landmark regeneration scheme in Medway, approved.

Phase 3 comprises 171 new homes, made up of 128 apartments and 43 houses, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses. Also being delivered is a new large park, a further section of the new river walk, which will total 2.5km when complete, as well as significant public realm and public art around the famous 50-year-old dockside blue crane that has already been refurbished as part of the project, and is one of the area's most striking landmarks.

Rochester Riverside is the region's flagship regeneration project. Delivered by Countryside and Hyde over the next 12 years, it will create a new mixed-tenure community of up to 1,400 new homes with a new primary school, nursery, as well as a hotel, retail, and over 10 acres of open space and landscaping.

Symbolic of the swift progress being made on site, a new Costa Coffee has now completed in the public square, joining existing retailer Co-op as well as a Travelodge, which opened in October 2019. A new landscaped public plaza offers an inviting entrance to the development from Rochester station, which is just 100 metres away, was also unveiled last year.

The development is progressing quickly, with the first residents having moved into their homes in June 2019 following the start of construction in February 2018. 157 homes have now been sold at the development, comprising one- and two-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom homes, with 128 homes completed and occupied. Later this year, the first affordable homes at the development will complete, with more residents joining this growing and thriving riverside community.

Andy Fancy, Managing Director, Partnerships North and South London, Countryside, said:'Throughout the project, we have worked closely with the local community and Medway Council to ensure that the development reflects the needs of residents and businesses and delivers high-quality homes and community facilities. Phase 3 is no different and will deliver a varied mix of new homes, ideal for Medway residents and those looking to find their perfect home in this thriving location.'

Guy Slocombe, Chief Investment Officer for Hyde, said: 'This green light enables us to continue momentum with the delivery of new homes and amenities at Rochester Riverside, and with the first affordable homes due to complete later in the year, 2020 is already proving itself to be an important year for the developmentand its growing community.'

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said:'We're delighted that progress continues to be made with Medway's flagship development. Phase 3 is set to deliver further housing options for people and the first affordable homes on the site are due to be completed later this year, which makes Rochester Riverside even more desirable to the people of Medway. I would like to wish everyone involved with the development well during this time, especially the residents who have already moved in to their new homes. It is a fantastic community which is continuing to grow and thrive.'

On the recent completion, Christie Seal, Store Manager at Rochester Riverside's Costa Coffee, commented: 'We're delighted to have a new store at Rochester Riverside. We look forward to playing an active part in the local community, getting involved with events, providing the store as a meeting place and supporting community initiatives.'

A previously derelict brownfield site, when complete Rochester Riverside will feature 10 acres of landscaped and green open space such as play areas and parks, whilst the new 2.5 km public riverside walkway will open up a key part of the riverside for the first time.

Although construction works have been suspended at Rochester Riverside given the current circumstances, the sales team remains contactable for virtual viewings and remote appointments. Call 01634 778592 or email [email protected]for more information.