This is the first phase of a project that will eventually see all the buildings at the Centre being demolished and replaced with a total of 60 new homes, which has already been granted planning permission.
The Centre has suffered from anti-social behaviour in recent years and redevelopment work is now underway on the first phase, concentrating on the south eastern corner of the development. This is being carried out by Orbit Homes in conjunction with Thanet District Council.
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The demolished buildings will be replaced by 21 houses of two, three and four bedrooms and a total of six apartments, all either one or two bedrooms. Eight of the two bedroom homes will be available for shared ownership, while the rest will all be available through Orbit South at an affordable rent. A retail unit is also included in phase one of the scheme.
Cllr Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "I'm sure many people have looked forward to seeing work getting underway on the redevelopment of the Centre. Sadly, it’s become a centre for anti-social behaviour over recent years, mainly because of the way it was designed. That’s why the council took the bold step of developing plans to demolish it and replace it with something much more suitable. I’m delighted that work is now underway and I’m sure that the new development will help to transform not only the landscape of Newington, but the quality of life for people who live there as well."
Funding for the scheme is coming from the Homes and Communities Agency and the full project will also see improvements to the road system, with the roundabout at the Centre removed. The first phase of the project is due to be completed by September 2012.
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