New homes completed at Kent retirement community

We have completed the second phase of construction at the Ledian Gardens retirement village near Maidstone, Kent for later living operator and developer Inspired Villages. The completion of the new retirement apartments sees the popular community grow to 115 homes overall.

People aged over 65 account for nearly 20% of the Maidstone population, while it’s expected that there will be 125,000 over 65s and nearly 20,000 over 85s in the local catchment area by 2030. This ageing demographic has resulted in a high demand for later living homes in a safe setting that offer residents access to amenities and the chance to live a healthy, happy and independent life.

Phase 2 of Ledian Gardens saw an additional 49 high-quality apartments completed which are all available for private sale or rent. The homes are constructed to net-zero carbon standards and include energy-efficient ground source heat pumps providing heating and hot water. Twenty-six boreholes have been installed to achieve this, ranging from 82-142m in depth. Landscaping works have also taken place across the site, including the creation of new gardens and open green spaces which are already proving popular with residents of Ledian Gardens and the wider Leeds Castle community.

During construction, the Ledian Gardens site received top marks under the Considerate Constructors Scheme, scoring 45 out of 45. The organisation highlighted the strong relationship built with local residents and the multiple community engagement activities held with those already living at Ledian Gardens, as well as local schools and charities. The development’s focus on sustainability was also praised, as was efforts to maintain a high level of wellbeing for the on-site workforce.

Stuart Fullwood, our Partnerships Director, commented: “Our work at Ledian Gardens is the latest example of our commitment to building remarkable homes that enrich lifestyles and enhance wellbeing. Ledian Gardens will help to address the shortage of later living housing in the local area, while the village centre facilities will become an integral part of everyday life for residents and the wider community.”

Albert Sinfield, Village Manager at Ledian Gardens, added: “We have a busy, vibrant and welcoming community here at Ledian Gardens with happy, engaged residents who recently scored 94% on overall satisfaction of life in the village. Now Phase 2 is complete, we’re hugely excited to start taking reservations and welcoming new residents to the village. Thakeham’s approach to engaging with residents and the wider community aligns with our own ethos, with residents even donning their hard hats and having a tour of the site when under construction.” 

The first phase of the Ledian Gardens project, which was completed in summer 2022, saw the construction of 66 retirement properties, as well as a village centre featuring a swimming pool, spa, gym, restaurant and shop.