Royal Engineers Road residential development
On 2 February 2017, proposals for a new residential development on Royal Engineers Road were approved by Maidstone Council’s Planning Committee.
The proposals will finally see the development of a long vacant site adjacent to Springfield Roundabout. This land was acquired by U+I who saw the potential of this former paper mill site overlooking the river Medway for a residential community.
The plans submitted by U+I, the mixed-use property regeneration developer, will see this brownfield plot rejuvenated with 310 new homes, public realm and landscaping improvements. Designed by award winning architects Guy Hollaway, the scheme includes a range of buildings from 8-18 storeys, marking the gateway to Maidstone town centre.
The plans include 220 units which could be delivered as 'Build to Rent' or speculative homes for sale. Build to Rent will bring another dimension to the local housing market, with the properties dedicated to private renters and their needs, encouraging long-term tenancies which can help to create a more sustainable community.
The approved development will include:
- An outdoor area - publicly accessible ground level terraces and roof top allotments for residents.
- A club lounge - which could include work spaces and social areas reserved for tenants.
- An on site management team - on hand to handle all tenant queries.
U+I is also considering the site for speculative housing for sale given the intensity of demand for well-designed homes in good quality towns like Maidstone.
It is envisaged the development will be completed in the next 2-3 years.
Richard Upton, Deputy Chief Executive of U+I said:
"We are delighted that Maidstone Council shares our enthusiasm for these proposals which will deliver a well-designed scheme on a prominent gateway site. Maidstone is famous for its paper mills and thread twisting and is an exceptional and relatively affordable place to live.
"U+I has woven the history of this county town into the architecture and landscape throughout the proposal. The project team has worked hard over the past year to develop a creative and compelling vision for Royal Engineers Road."
--U and I
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
HSE simplified advice for installers of stone worktops
After company fined for repeatedly failing to protect workers.
Co-located with 10th year of UK Construction Week.
How orchards can influence planning and development.
Time for knapping, no time for napping
Decorative split stone square patterns in facades.
A practical guide to the use of flint in design and architecture.
Designing for neurodiversity: driving change for the better
Accessible inclusive design translated into reality.
RIBA detailed response to Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report
Briefing notes following its initial 4 September response.
Approved Document B: Fire Safety from March
Current and future changes with historical documentation.
A New Year, a new look for BSRIA
As phase 1 of the BSRIA Living Laboratory is completed.
A must-attend event for the architecture industry.
Caroline Gumble to step down as CIOB CEO in 2025
After transformative tenure take on a leadership role within the engineering sector.
RIDDOR and the provisional statistics for 2023 / 2024
Work related deaths; over 50 percent from construction and 50 percent recorded as fall from height.
Solar PV company fined for health and safety failure
Work at height not properly planned and failure to take suitable steps to prevent a fall.
The term value when assessing the viability of developments
Consultation on the compulsory purchase process, compensation reforms and potential removal of hope value.
Trees are part of the history of how places have developed.