Aylesham development gets into full swing with launch of new play area

An exciting new play area has been officially opened as part of the major multi million pound development of Aylesham Garden Village.

The new Market Place play area in Aylesham has been designed and installed by developers, working in partnership with Dover District Council and the local community. The area includes a basket swing, a 'Wacky Spinner', stepping boulders, a tree seat, talking tubes, a roundabout, and toddler and junior multi play units. DDC is taking on responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the play area.

Developers Barratt Homes and Hillreed began construction activity in Aylesham in June last year. The planned development is for up to 1,200 new homes. The first phase is to provide 191 homes, plus 4 new retail units.

Barratt Homes, in partnership with Hillreed, will be building on the vision for regeneration of Aylesham and its Garden Village status. The development will be linked to regenerated local facilities including retail outlets and sporting facilities, and significant investment in village-wide landscaping including parks, avenues, paths and cycle ways.

Cllr Sue Chandler, DDC Cabinet Member for Housing said: "We are delighted to see the completion of this wonderful play area. This is one of the many community benefits which will come as development progresses, and we hope it will be enjoyed by lots of local families."

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council said: "This is a major development for the area, in a great countryside location between Dover and Canterbury, helping to fulfill our strategy to see a range of excellent housing options developed for communities across the district."

Paul Kitchingman, Land Director of Barratt Homes, Kent commented: "We already have a number of sites in Kent which are receiving a great deal of interest from eager buyers. We take pride in providing the right property in great locations, and Aylesham Village will now have new homes locally, offering contemporary lifestyle benefits. The new play area is an exciting start to our ongoing community commitment, while we build homes in the area, which we hope will be enjoyed by current and new residents alike for many years to come."

Chris Cooper, Senior Project Coordinator for Hillreed commented: "We have been looking forward to this project for some years and are excited by the progress being made now. Hillreed Homes will continue to provide quality living in a rural setting."