The pace of regeneration across the UK’s regional towns and cities is showing no signs of letting up. This inward investment and the presence of proactive local authorities continues to be key factors in making an area full of investment potential.
GRE Assets has major developments in Ashford, Brighton and Peterborough, whose landscapes have continued to change in recent months with the progress of notable projects. Below, we share more about three key projects which have moved forward now that we’re in the third quarter of 2022.
Hukins Hops application, Ashford
Located in St Michaels near Tenterden, Hukins Hops has submitted a planning application to expand the hop farm. Marking one of the Ashford borough’s latest exciting developments, plans encompass a microbrewery, including taproom and brasserie, along with holiday lets. This builds upon the success of existing tours and tastings at the site.
The team behind the proposals has promised a “sensitive” and “traditional” approach to the redevelopment to ensure it remains in keeping with the local vernacular. Owner Ross Hukins explains the vision behind the proposals: “This will be for local people to be able to celebrate the history of hops in the area – because we have a lot of grapes here, not many hops. They’ll be able to celebrate the history and enjoy craft beer in a tasteful setting.”
Black Rock Rejuvenation, Brighton
Brighton’s £12 million Black Rock rejuvenation project seeks to “improve the environment and infrastructure of Brighton’s Eastern seafront.” Features include increased connectivity with Brighton Marina, the promotion of green travel, the renovation of historic buildings and public art.
Latest project progress was revealed in a recent Channel 5 documentary, which showed how seeds from Kew Gardens’ Millennium Seed Bank were planted among the project site’s shingle waves. This was to help restore the area’s original ecosystem, which Brighton & Hove City Council, Biodiversity Officer, Kim Dawson, expands on this: “The bigger picture is for the whole of the seafront to be this lovely inviting corridor for people from local communities and visitors to enjoy and amble along. It’s also to really try and bring back our wildlife and support our wildlife by restoring it for future generations.”
ARU Peterborough
Peterborough’s new university is in the final stages of construction and is on track to welcome its first students in 2022. In fact, ARU Peterborough has already received applications from students from more than 40 countries, showing how it has the potential to make a global impact.
The university explains the local impact of the scheme: it “will play a pivotal role in transforming the city into a regional centre; raise aspirations; and have a transformational effect on the life chances of its students.” Sustainable design has been championed throughout the development with landscaped open spaces and the prioritisation of green transport as well as net-zero carbon emissions aspirations by 2030.
GRE Assets has been delivering high quality, well connected homes in the UK and Spain since 2006.
