Minister and local MP impressed by Stanhope PFI regeneration 

Iain Wright MP views construction at Stanhope


The success of the huge regeneration scheme at Stanhope in Ashford, Kent has reached the corridors of Westminster. In recent months, junior housing minister, , and local member of parliament, Damian Green, have both toured the estate to see progress for themselves.

The Chrysalis Consortium – Moat, Gleeson Capital Solutions and Nationwide Commercial – are refurbishing over 320 homes to the Decent Homes Standard Plus and replacing seven tower blocks with over 440 new build homes in a five year Private Finance Initiative programme due to complete in 2012. The refurbishment is already at the halfway mark, with 162 homes now fully improved. Moat is managing the properties under a 30 year management agreement with Ashford Council.

Damian Green says he is delighted at the visible improvements being made at Stanhope. “I am very impressed to see the imaginative ways in which training is being provided to local young people through the programmes on offer.”

Local councillor, Palma Laughton, has also praised the quality of the refurbishment and the positive attitude of the workmen. She says: “I wouldn’t change anything about this project. While nothing is perfect, this scheme is pretty close, and there is a real sense of hope and community spirit again at Stanhope. The new build homes look fantastic.”

More importantly, the work is also winning plaudits from the residents who live in the homes. Doreen Woodward, who has lived at Stanhope for 20 years, had a new kitchen, bathroom and boiler fitted in May. She says: “When I first had the work done, I thought I’d won the lottery – it’s excellent!”

Michelle Horn, a resident for 11 years, says her family is delighted with the work. “It has made a big difference to our lives.”

As well as the internal improvements, Stanhope will see new and improved local facilities, including the Legacy Building, which will incorporate a library and local neighbourhood office. Commercial units are also being built and there is new landscaping to improve the external environment. In addition, Moat is running a wide range of social and economic development programmes for the community.

Dave Hill, Moat’s director of new initiatives and regeneration, says: “Stanhope is proving a fantastic partnership, with the residents fully involved and engaged with us. There is a strong desire from everyone to see a new Stanhope emerge, which will help people to achieve their goals and a good quality of life. We’re showing here that big PFI schemes can really deliver the goods and bring major new investment to areas and estates that have suffered deprivation. We are delighted with progress so far.”