Posted on 05 December 2024
Bringing 500 affordable homes and a thriving new community to Sittingbourne
The Mayor of Swale and other local councillors joined the Hyde Group on 21 November 2024 to mark the 150th sales completion and third anniversary of construction of a thriving new community in Sittingbourne, Kent.
Councillors were able to see first-hand the progress being made, and meet the team developing Spring Acres, which will eventually include 580 homes – 500 of which will be affordable – a country park, play areas and shops.
Construction began in 2021. Together with our construction partner Chartway Group, we've delivered over 360 homes so far, all of which are due to be occupied by Christmas 2024.
The final phase of the project will see a further 270 homes built, including 72 for affordable and social rent, 158 for shared ownership and 50 for outright sale. About 50 of these homes are already lived in and the rest are expected to be finished by 2027.
About half of the area on which Spring Acres is built will comprise green space. This includes the ‘Countryside Gap’, a 15ha country park that will be open to the public and managed by Swale Borough Council.
There will be four other public open spaces, including two play areas, and Chartway has already built a new ball court and drop off area for the Landsdowne Primary School next door.
Mayor of Swale, Councillor Ben Martin said: “I was involved in the planning for this development in 2019. There is a housing emergency in Swale with over 1700 households on the housing register with even more in need that who have not yet joined the register, and over 280 in temporary accommodation.
"We’ve been waiting for this development for a long time, and we welcome this affordable housing with open arms. This development is a testament to Hyde and it’s great to see their commitment to us. I’m thrilled to see that there have already been 150 homes completed and I’m looking forward to seeing the next 150.”
Dean, the 150th customer to move into their home at Spring Acres, is delighted with his new home, saying: “I moved into my house in September, and I love it. I was in a two-bedroom shared ownership flat in Gillingham – and this was a real stepping stone for me as I have now moved to a three-bedroom shared ownership house in Spring Acres.
"I'm so happy; I love the house and the space; I can work from home comfortably and I love the feeling of community here. I also love the area – it’s just perfect for me.”
Steven Morrice, our Development and Sales Director said: “I’m delighted with the progress we’re making at Spring Acres. This new community provides a real mix of homes – the vast majority affordable – giving people better life chances.
“Spring Acres will also give a boost to the local economy. We will be providing a convenience store in one of the retail units and we hope local businesses will take the other three, or that they can be used for community projects.”