Two Thanet families now have affordable homes as part of Thanet council’s Live Margate scheme.
The programme is targeted at turning existing poor quality flats and bedsits into quality family homes with affordable rents in Cliftonville West and Margate Central.
Work to convert and refurbish 54 Trinity Square as part of the project meant it was redeveloped into one two bedroom maisonette and one three bedroom maisonette, which are owned by the council and managed by East Kent Housing.
The property required major refurbishment works, including an improved internal layout, new windows, kitchens and bathrooms, as well as a new roof and full insulation. It also now benefits from improved outside space.
The ‘Live Margate’ scheme also aims to improve housing and living conditions as well as encourage investment and owner occupation.
£23.1 million is being invested into the programme through key organisations including Thanet District Council, Kent County Council and the Homes & Communities Agency.
Work on Live Margate will continue until 2026.
It runs alongside the recently renewed five year Selective Licensing Scheme which ensures landlords are fulfilling their duties to provide acceptable housing conditions and ensure good property management in the same area.
The licensing scheme means all privately rented properties within Margate Central, Cliftonville West and properties in Trinity Square and Northdown Road are required to be licensed with the council. The scheme runs until 20 April 2021, unless revoked early by the council.
In addition, Margate Task Force ‘Operation Streetweek’ takes place across two days each month, focusing on individual streets. The task force can help residents with assistance and referrals, for example to housing enforcement teams, dentists, and local residents groups.
Rob Kenyon, Director for Community Services at Thanet District Council, said: “This is another significant step towards providing good quality, safe and affordable housing for residents in these wards. Combined with the recently announced loans for home-owners looking to renovate and move into former empty properties, the council is taking action to rebalance the housing stock in the area to help making Thanet a great place to live.”