A site in Folkestone which stood derelict for 14 years has been brought back to life thanks to the award-winning No Use Empty scheme
The land – situated at the junction of Princess Street and Myrtle Road – has been developed into a three-storey block of eight two-bedroom apartments, having last been used by a plumbing and heating merchant over a decade ago.
Livingston Homes Limited was awarded funding from the No Use Empty scheme run by Kent County Council (KCC), and also accessed a top-up loan from Folkestone & Hythe District Council (F&HDC) to assist with the project.
Mark Dance, KCC Cabinet Member for Economic Development said the scheme was making a real difference. “This project has been made possible because of the finance available through the No Use Empty scheme. I believe bringing long-term empty properties back into use is key to driving regeneration, which not only provides homes but also new sources of income and a sense of community. Such was the standard of the development F&HDC has acquired the site, adding eight new homes to its housing stock – all thanks to working in partnership with each other”.
Cllr David Godfrey, F&HDC Cabinet Member for Housing, Transport and Special Projects: “No Use Empty is a fantastic initiative which is really helping to regenerate Folkestone, improve the area, and provide much-needed homes. All of the homes are affordable rent and will be let to applicants on the council’s housing list. One of the apartments has been built to a fully wheelchair accessible standard. Livingstone Homes Limited has said this project would not have been delivered in just over one year if it hadn’t been for this scheme”.