Property consultancy Vail Williams has helped secure planning consent for more than 100 flats on a landmark former library site in Maidstone, Kent, delivering essential homes in the town centre.
The firm acted for Maidstone Borough Council regarding the former Kent County Council Springfield library site and offices.
Vail Williams’ regional managing partner Suzanne Holloway, assisted by associate Elise Thompson, worked closely with planners at the council to deliver the regeneration project for the half-hectare site in the Ringlestone area of the county town. She said:
“The scheme successfully gained planning consent, meaning the disused site will now become much-needed housing and landscaping with an improvement to on-site biodiversity.”
Springfield Place will include two stepped blocks separated by a landscape-led public concourse, green areas and a play area, with car and cycle parking provision on site.
There will be 103 dual-aspect one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with innovative technologies utilised to reduce carbon emissions both during construction work and for ongoing energy supply.
The site is within walking distance of Maidstone East railway station which connects with London Victoria and the Kent coast. A sustainable travel plan will mean that residents are encouraged to take full advantage of public transport locations.
The project is set to represent a key milestone in the council’s commitment to delivering truly affordable rented homes as part of its council housebuilding programme.
Suzanne added: “This is good news for Maidstone and is a testament to the power of personable, collaborative working to get this project over the line.
“All councils have new, mandatory housing targets which we must meet to deliver the government’s commitment to provide 1.5 million more homes to help tackle the most acute housing crisis in living memory – and Springfield Place is a key element in this.”
The project has been developed as part of Maidstone Borough Council’s adopted capital programme, which prioritises affordable rented housing alongside private rented and market sale homes.
Maidstone Borough Council has assembled its own development team to oversee the project, ensuring control over quality and alignment with community needs. The transformative residential development has been designed by leading architecture and landscape practice Bond Bryan, with project management and cost consultancy from Airey Miller Limited.
A landscape-led design incorporates sustainable urban drainage systems, biodiverse roofs, and a 47% biodiversity net gain. The development also features high-quality public spaces, including a central plaza, enhanced woodland areas, and improved pedestrian and cycle links that reconnect the site with the wider community.
While funding from the Social Housing Grant is still to be confirmed by Homes England, the project could represent a key milestone in the council’s commitment to delivering truly affordable rented homes as part of its council housebuilding programme.
Councillor Simon Wales, Maidstone Borough Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness said:
“Springfield Place is a testament to what can be achieved as it serves as a model for sustainable, inclusive development. It will help address the critical need for affordable housing in Maidstone, reducing the number of families currently on the borough’s housing register waiting for a home."
“The council is currently discussing the availability of a Social Housing Grant with Homes England. This would help bring forward much needed affordable housing on site which will be essential to help reduce the number of households on the council’s housing register, currently waiting for a home.”
Adrian Stubbs, Lead Architect at Bond Bryan, said:
“Springfield Place is more than just a housing development; it’s a community-centric initiative that integrates the rich heritage of the area with modern design principles. By prioritising biodiversity, sustainability, and connectivity, this project aims to create a vibrant and inclusive environment for future residents.”
James Hickmott, of Airey Miller said:
“We are extremely proud to have provided project management and cost consultancy services and be part of this flagship development with Maidstone Borough Council to bring forward delivery of their strategic plan. We look forward to supporting MBC with the procurement of a main contractor in the coming months.”
Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.
