The redevelopment of the site in Dover was praised by judges for improved community housing in a scheme sympathetic to the nearby Dover Castle
An affordable housing project in Dover developed by Dover District Council has been named residential project regional winner in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Southeast Awards. The William Muge and Snelgrove development now goes on to the National Grand Final in London in October.
The £12.5m redevelopment of the former brownfield site includes 65 new homes with a mix of tenures, including 24 apartments for social rent, 29 shared ownership apartments, and 12 town houses for private sale. DDC is developing up to 500 new affordable homes across the district.
The judges said: “This project was chosen because the redevelopment has provided much improved community housing to benefit the broader neighbourhood, while also creating a sympathetic scheme to the nearby ancient Dover Castle.”
The social housing element comprises 18 two-bedroom apartments, and six one-bedroom apartments at Bomford Place on Harold Street, named in honour of Lorna Bomford (1883-1962), a leading light in Dover’s Suffrage Movement.
The development is designed and built to a high standard with Avanti Architects taking a ‘fabric first’ approach with high performing materials designed to boost energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Main contractors for the build were Folkestone-based Jenner Contractors.
Most of the properties have double-aspect windows to make the most of natural light, along with high levels of insulation and natural ventilation to minimise the energy needed for heating and lighting. Each of the affordable properties has a recessed balcony or a small garden with ground floor apartments.
Residents also have access to nearby electric vehicle charging points and secure cycle racks.
Cllr Derek Murphy, DDC Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “We are delighted to have been recognised in the RICS Regional Awards for the quality of our redevelopment of this key town centre site. Fingers crossed for the National Grand Final in October!
“We’re committed to providing a range of housing in the district and are well on our way to building 500 new affordable homes, including new council houses for social rent.”
Martin Sandall, Managing Director of Jenner Group, said: “This is an incredibly worthy winner, in rightful recognition of the energy, enthusiasm and absolute commitment by all those involved in this project from the earliest stages. This award serves as firm testimony to a bonded team with unequivocal synergy in their conduct and a mutual determination to deliver.”
Posted on 26 May 2022