Hyde delivers affordable homes for local people in Kent

Published by N Dorrington for The Hyde Group in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

The official opening of the keenly awaited first phase of the prestigious development at Rochester Riverside in Kent took place on Friday 15 March. The Hyde Group’s new flagship housing development will provide 73 new homes and a commercial unit. Bellerophon House has a mix of 41 one and two bedroom extra care apartments with communal areas, a restaurant and a hairdressing salon; The Royal Oak has a mix of 24 one and two bedroom apartments available for Shared Ownership and Nymph House has eight affordable rent apartments. All of the homes are well insulated and have a range of energy saving features including solar panels to generate energy and sunlight tubes fitted in communal areas.

 In his welcome, John Tibbitts, Hyde Group Business Development Director said: “We’re very proud to be creating this new community. It will help address the substantial demand for housing in Medway.

 “This project is a great example of partnership working in action. The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Medway Council, Denne and Hyde, have all shown a tremendous level of commitment in Rochester Riverside.”

Cllr Jane Chitty, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, said: "Rochester Riverside is a flagship regeneration site in Medway and this development by Hyde Housing sets the standard for what will eventually take shape on the rest of the site.

 "Hyde has delivered some of the South East’s most highly regarded housing developments in recent years and this first phase shows just what can be achieved.

 "We hope this will now act as a catalyst for the regeneration of this site with all that that means in terms of jobs, the boost to the local economy and, of course, much needed homes. Add in plans to relocate Rochester train station and there are exciting days ahead." 

Before performing the official opening, Councillor Doe, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services spoke of the connections with ships built in the area in the names chosen for each of the new blocks that have been delivered in this phase of the regeneration on the Rochester Riverside location. 

He said: "The names given to these buildings pay tribute to the ships which brought such prosperity to Medway. This development is the first chapter of what promises to be a great future for Rochester Riverside as well as providing a well-balanced community for those in housing need. "

To find out more about Bellerophon House or Nymph House call Customer Services on 0800 389 3576. For enquiries about  shared ownership opportunities at The Royal Oak call Hyde New Homes on 0845 606 1221 or visit the website at www.hydenewhomes.co.uk/development/rochester-riverside1