632 homes were delivered in 2022/23 despite national challenges faced in the housing market.
Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, the organisation charged with the regeneration of 2,500 acres of previously used, brownfield land in North Kent delivered a record breaking number of homes in 2022/23 according to its Annual Report and Accounts published recently.
Ebbsfleet Garden City, first announced in 2015, involves building on a series of brownfield sites at one of the best connected locations in England to create a ‘21st century garden city’ – with ambitions for a vibrant new community of up to 15,000 homes, with a city-style centre surrounding Ebbsfleet International train station, underpinned by garden city principles.
Despite various economic challenges throughout 2022/23, the regeneration of Ebbsfleet continued at pace, with a focus on delivering vital infrastructure and amenities to support the growing population, making a major contribution to government policy to increase the number of new homes built in the UK.
The publication of the Corporation’s Annual Report marks significant progress to date – with 3,516 new homes delivered in the Ebbsfleet area since 2015. The report demonstrates the Corporation’s commitment to deliver a 21st century garden city, with achievements throughout the year including:
- 100% of homes completed were within the housing development schemes that have received Building for a Healthy Life ‘green light’ assessment.
- 42 custom build homes completed during the year by Westerhill Homes at Alkerden Gateway.
- 195 Affordable Homes were completed during the year, representing 31% of all new homes that year.
- £172.9m private sector investment.
- 3.62km dedicated footpaths and cycle ways created across the Garden City.
- 3.94 hectares of parks, open spaces and recreation areas delivered across the Garden City.
- £20m generated in Social Value throughout 2022 (January-December 2022).
It is anticipated that the 2023/24 Financial Period will see a further record-breaking year, with the Corporation celebrating the 4000th home delivered as part of the scheme in February 2024.
Simon Dudley, Chair of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, said:
“Despite the challenges faced in the housing and financial markets throughout 2022/23, delivery of homes across Ebbsfleet has continued at pace. This significant achievement not only underscores our commitment to increasing the availability of high quality new homes on previously used, brownfield land, but further demonstrates our dedication to deliver a vibrant and sustainable community and business location. Over the next few years our focus will ensure vital infrastructure and amenities are delivered to enhance the commercial, leisure and employment opportunities for residents and the local community.’
Ian Piper, Chief Executive of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, said:
“This accomplishment is testament to the the hard work and collaboration between Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, developers, our sponsor Department, DLUHC, Local Authorities in Dartford, Gravesham and Kent, and the community. Our vision for Ebbsfleet has always been to create a place where people can live, work and thrive; achieving a record breaking year is a significant step towards realising this vision. There is still much work to be done and we remain dedicated to maintaining the momentum of creating a great place to live and ensuring the we continue to grow as a model of modern, sustainable living.”