Work has begun on The Old Printworks, a boutique new development from Quinn Estates that will transform part of the former headquarters and production facility of the Kent Messenger Group in Larkfield into a niche scheme of apartments and houses.
The launch event, held at the Sheldon Way construction site, was attended by Quinn Estates development director, Alastair Cracknell, along with Nicolas Heslop, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and ward councillors, Cllr Tim Bishop and Cllr Anita Oakley, along with David Thornewell, Chairman of Larkfield Parish Council.
Once complete, the development will comprise eight apartments and four terraced houses. All homes will be finished to a high-specification and most benefit from private outdoor space, either as a balcony, terrace or garden. The development itself has been designed with plentiful green space and parking provision. Designed by leading Kent architects, Clague, the site’s high-profile position has been considered with exceptional design that will turn a barren parcel of land into a well landscaped, statement development.
Just six miles from Maidstone, and surrounded by countryside, Larkfield is ideally located for those wishing to escape the bustle of town, but still benefit from local amenities.
Larkfield is easily accessed thanks to its nearby railway and bus links, as well as the M20 which is within easy reach. Leisure facilities include Larkfield Leisure Centre and Larkfield Family Centre among others. There is also a host of restaurants and shops nearby together with a number of schools including The Malling School and West Malling C of E Primary School.
Alastair Cracknell said: “We have a strong track record for turning brownfield sites into exciting schemes. We have worked extensively with stakeholders on this project and that cooperation has led to us being able to get on site quickly and to start building new homes for the borough.”
Nicolas Heslop added: “It’s good to see the start of work at The Old Printworks, as it represents another positive step for the people and businesses in the local community. Providing new homes is of key importance. Quinn Estates value working with the local parish council and the planning authority. They recognise their responsibility as more than just a developer, building sustainable developments with community at the heart. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the finished development.”
Cllr Anita Oakley said: “The start of work on this site is great news for our local community. Quinn Estates deserve great credit for their consultation with both the borough and parish councils – taking onboard what Councillors said about the parking in particular and, more importantly, promising to deliver on that in the final scheme.”
Cllr Tim Bishop said: “This spade in the ground event has been a good opportunity to hear about Quinn Estates’ plans to transform this brownfield site. Evidently, it will not only provide homes to a number of people, but also benefit the local community by regenerating a brownfield plot into something that will ultimately invest money back into the community. There are already plans to build an outdoors adult gym area over the road, which Quinn Estates have funded. We are looking forward to seeing people using the equipment and the development being complete.”
Elsewhere in Kent, Quinn Estates is developing the Herne Bay Sports Hub – a large mixed-use development comprising of a sporting super hub, 572 news homes and New community and commercial facilities for Herne Bay.
