How did you begin the development and design process for Azure at St Mary ’ s Island ?
Showcasing the power a strong partnership approach can have , both partners were united in placing the utmost importance on regular , effective communication and meaningful engagement with local residents and stakeholders to ensure the new district delivered for the community .
An integral part of this people-led approach , from the early planning stages , is that insights from local residents inspired the design and feel of the whole development .
Before work could begin on the new waterside neighbourhood , extensive remedial works were undertaken to make the site habitable , which left the land flat and virtually featureless . In collaboration with the existing community , Countryside and Homes England worked together and undertook considerable landscaping to improve the appearance of this derelict area – creating more attractive surroundings , and therefore a more positive experience for residents from the earliest possible stage .
What was your design and development timeframe ?
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 is the ethos of the Azure at St Mary ’ s Island project ?
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 highquality homes .
How do you bring excellent design-led interiors to a larger scale development ?
Countryside use a panel of interior designers to transform their homes into places people love . The initial brief given to the designers creates a story of the development , from its heritage / history , through the design process including our vision for the new community .
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