Image: F&HDC The team – left to right (front to back) are, Cllr Rebecca Shoob – F&HDC Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, Steve Grimshaw – NUE Strategic Programme Manager and NUE lead, Derek Murphy – KCC Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Will Brown – Director of Browns Construction Office, Tom Davies – Principal Project Officer, and Kerry Petts – F&HDC Private Sector Housing Manager.
A dilapidated building that blighted Augusta Gardens in Folkestone for nearly two decades has been given a stunning makeover, thanks to a collaborative effort that’s breathing new life into the community.
What was once an eyesore, home only to pigeons and missing several floors, is now a vibrant five-storey townhouse boasting five brand-new flats!
The remarkable transformation is the result of three years of hard work by Browns Construction, supported by the Kent County Council’s No Use Empty scheme. This innovative program, celebrating its 20th anniversary, provides crucial funding to revitalize derelict properties and bring them back into residential use.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council, a founding partner of the scheme, has been instrumental in the project’s success, providing additional financial support through its top-up loan program.
Will Brown, director of Browns Construction, couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the project.
“The scheme is fantastic! It gives people jobs, eliminates eyesores, helps the neighbors, creates much-needed housing, and generates council tax revenue – it’s a win-win for everyone!”
He exclaimed.
The transformation of the Augusta Gardens property is a testament to the power of partnership. Cllr Rebecca Shoob, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, expressed her delight, stating,
“It’s wonderful that this property has been given a new lease of life after being an eyesore for so long.”
This project highlights the effectiveness of the No Use Empty Plus scheme, which has provided up to an extra £15,000 per residential unit to tackle challenging properties. With the upcoming Housing Assistance Policy increasing this top-up limit to £20,000 per unit, even more ambitious projects can now become a reality.
Leader Cllr Jim Martin praised the collaborative effort, saying,
“It has been a difficult project, but it shows – by working in partnership – the public and private sectors can combine to produce fantastic results that benefit everyone by providing much-needed housing, improving local environments, and relieving urban blight.”
This inspiring transformation proves that even the most neglected spaces can be reborn, creating homes and hope for the future.