A multi-million pound housing scheme in Rochester is welcoming its first residents with construction work now completed.

The development, Thackeray House, offers 44 affordable homes for older people to live independently with on-site care support.

It has transformed the site of the former St Clements House, on the corner of Corporation Street and Blue Boar Lane, with a new part five, part six-storey building.

Planning permission was granted in 2021 and building work got well underway last year by the contractor Jerram Falkus.

The scheme also features community spaces to support residents’ social activities, such as an indoor lounge and an activity lawn.

Behind the development is Heart of Medway, which is part of the mhs homes group, the UK’s largest independent social landlord with over 10,000 homes in north Kent.

The charitable housing association says the new development will help “meet the growing demand for affordable housing in the area”.

Sandra Skeete, chair of Heart of Medway, said: “Affordable housing is the foundation of strong communities.

“For us, it’s not just about building homes, it’s about creating places where people can feel safe, supported and truly at home.

“Thackeray House is a great example of how we can help people live well and build inclusive neighbourhoods where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

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