HOME + GARDEN
AZURE CONT .
With more than 60 years ’ experience of collaborative working with partners in public and private sectors , they deliver mixed tenure developments , including affordable homes , homes for the private rental sector and homes for private sale .
Placemaking is at the heart of everything they do ; designing places people love and helping to build successful communities . Countryside is committed to high quality design , construction and management creating a positive legacy for future generations .
How was the location for Azure development chosen ?
Born from a shared vision between the partners , the aspiration for St Mary ’ s Island sought to provide much needed investment to the Chatham Maritime area and provide a range of high-quality homes One of the most iconic regeneration schemes in south-east England , the regeneration of St Mary ’ s Island is a 50-50 joint venture between Countryside and Homes England , under the name of Countryside Maritime Limited . Over the last 26 years , the partnership has been transforming the 150-acre former Royal Naval dockyard , a formerly uninhabitable place , into a sustainable mixed-use community , delivering 1,700 new homes alongside green spaces and public amenities .
What was the property development brief / objective ?
The partners combined their skills , knowledge and expertise to improve , design and effectively deliver a scheme that positively contributes to the local area and community . Countryside , with its reputation for placemaking and creating places people love , and Homes England , renowned for its business and community building skills , is a clever , mutually beneficial partnership which has since established a successful , thriving neighbourhood .
A key aim for the partnership was to address the local housing need . 13.6 % of homes on St Mary ’ s Island are affordable which , alongside 62 units as part of an Extracare Facility , contributes to the housing accessibility and availability for residents of Kent . The project also provides a plethora of convenient amenities , including shops , schools , a hairdresser , a GP surgery and pharmacy .
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