Construction begins at Ashmere marking the next chapter at the former Eastern Quarry in Kent
Ashmere set to become a sustainable neighbourhood compromising of 2,600 homes.
Ashmere, a landmark scheme on the former Eastern Quarry, part of Ebbsfleet Garden City in Kent, has broken ground, marking the beginning of construction.
Delivered by Clarion Housing Group, the UK’s largest provider of affordable housing, and Countryside, the UK’s leading mixed-tenure developer, Ashmere is set to become a new sustainable neighbourhood comprising 2,600 mixed-tenure homes of which 25% will be affordable, as well as a new primary school and a village centre.
Set against the dramatic white cliffs synonymous with Kent, a country park, a lake and expansive open green spaces will weave through Ashmere. With excellent road connectivity and the HS1 to London St Pancras only taking 17 minutes, Ebbsfleet is extremely well connected both locally and internationally.
“Ashmere will not only provide high-quality, affordable homes but also be a great place to live and work, and we’re excited to see our plans come to life.”
Nick Wood, director of development at Clarion Housing Group
Ebbsfleet is not only a great commuter belt destination; it’s becoming its own thriving, sustainable and well-connected community. In line with the 2035 vision of Ebbsfleet, up to 30,000 people will work in a green, modern environment around the international station, which is becoming a magnet for economic growth and a destination of choice for investment and innovation.
Flanked by the well-established Bluewater Shopping Centre, the area is becoming a focal point, with The London Resort, a new theme park in Swanscombe creating a significant number of jobs, adjacent to the site.
Celebrating Ebbsfleet’s heritage
Due to complete fully in 2033, Ashmere is being delivered in collaboration with landowner Henley Camland and will celebrate Ebbsfleet’s industrial and Kent’s farming heritage. The joint venture partnership is also proud to be working with Ebbsfleet Development Corporation to deliver their vision for the wider Garden City.
Nick Wood, director of development at Clarion Housing Group, said:
“Ebbsfleet Garden City is a thriving, vibrant new community and we’re delighted to be working with Countryside on this next chapter."
“With our focus on placemaking, Ashmere will not only provide high-quality, affordable homes but also be a great place to live and work, and we’re excited to see our plans come to life.”
Mike Woolliscroft, chief executive, Partnerships South, Countryside, commented:
“This is a significant milestone in our journey at Ashmere, marking the beginning of a 13-year-long programme, which will see the creation of a sustainable and closely-knit community in a flourishing area of Kent."
“Working closely with Clarion Housing Group, we are looking forward to making our vision for the first phase of land at the former Eastern Quarry a reality.”