Long-term empty properties being refurbished

Refurbishment work has begun on four properties the council owns on Crescent Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells.

The project will bring the four long-term empty properties back into use providing much needed temporary accommodation to meet local housing demands. The detailed designs for the properties are being prepared and will be the subject of a planning application in due course.

Councillor Hugo Pound, Cabinet member for Housing and Planning said:

I am very pleased that this redevelopment is progressing as planned; developing long-term empty retail properties into well-supported temporary accommodation is an excellent use of the council’s assets. I commend the efforts of council officers in responding so well to the council’s priority to provide more safe, affordable housing.

Baxall Construction is carrying out the work on behalf of the council and they will be keeping nearby residents informed about the project through a regular community newsletter.

A traffic management plan is in place for deliveries and there are restrictions on working times and noisy works. You may contact Baxall’s site manager George Hasemore with any questions or comments regarding the works, crescentroad@baxallconstruction.co.uk.

In 2021 three previously empty council-owned properties in the same terrace were renovated and converted into six self-contained homes.

Work on the current project started during week beginning 1 January 2024 and is expected to be completed by the summer.