22nd March 2023
Sanctuary
A historic part of Maidstone’s landscape has been given a new lease of life, providing much-needed affordable housing for dozens of local people.
Rocky Hill Terrace, in Terrace Road, has undergone careful and extensive refurbishment work following a fire in 2017, which caused significant damage to the Grade Two listed property.
Maidstone and the Weald MP Helen Grant joined social housing provider Sanctuary to officially re-open the site, planting a commemorative tree in the gardens to mark the occasion.
Rocky Hill Terrace was originally built in the 1830s to the design of noted English architect John Whichcord Sr.
It previously provided 42 self-contained flats for older people, but will now deliver 35 new one and two-bedroom flats for affordable rent, with former residents rehomed in more suitable accommodation nearby.
During her visit Mrs Grant toured the site and met with representatives from Sanctuary, its appointed contractor City Gate Construction, and Maidstone Borough Council, which has worked closely with Sanctuary to deliver the £6 million restoration.
Mrs Grant said: “I’ve followed progress at Rocky Hill Terrace closely and it’s great to see this important building fully restored and once again providing affordable housing for people in Maidstone.”
The restoration of Rocky Hill Terrace has been carried out sensitively, retaining original architecture and decorative features of heritage value including staircases, balustrades, windows, and doors.
Custom-made blinds, fitted to the building’s uniquely-sized windows, have been fitted in each flat, while fibre-optic cabling has been installed throughout the building, providing access to superfast internet and TV services.
Electric car charging points have been installed to encourage and enable sustainable travel, while the former pavilion to the rear of the building has been converted into a cycle store for residents.
Sanctuary’s Chief Customer Officer, Lizzie Hieron, met with Mrs Grant and spoke to her about the restoration of Rocky Hill Terrace and Sanctuary’s social purpose to provide high-quality affordable homes for those who need them.
Lizzie commented: “Rocky Hill Terrace is a significant part of Maidstone’s landscape and it’s great to see the results of all the hard work that has taken place to restore this historic building.
“We were delighted to welcome Helen Grant for the reopening. Helen has shown a keen interest in this important restoration, and we were pleased to be able to show her what has been achieved and demonstrate our commitment to delivering high-quality affordable homes for local people.”
