Works have started to bring a derelict building in Dover back to life thanks to funding from Kent County Council’s No Use Empty Scheme.
Private development company, Vernon Investments, has secured a loan of £175,000 from the scheme, so it can meet the total development costs needed to turn the building in London Road into nine self-contained flats.
The three-storey listed building is more than 100 years old and had fallen into a state of disrepair, after standing empty for more than four years. It had been targeted by vandals, the back garden area has become a dumping ground and there was evidence of drug use at the property.
Once completed, the project will create nine new homes with a large shared rear garden available to tenants. To try and retain the character of the building, some of the original features are being re-created with moulds taken from original fixtures.
The first phase of the project has started with the property being cleared before renovation can begin. The funding from the No Use Empty is being used for renovation works and the project is expected to be completed in February 2012.
The No Use Empty initiative was originally set up by Kent County Council in 2005 and is now a partnership with all twelve district and borough councils in Kent. To date, No Use Empty has returned 1,627 empty properties across Kent back into use.
Through the scheme, property owners can get a loan to help them finance refurbishments and make properties habitable again. To be eligible, properties must be either sold or rented after completion and the loans repaid in full. The money is then recycled for another project.
Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, Kevin Lynes, said:
“This is a perfect example of how this scheme can make a direct difference to people’s lives. As well as providing nine much-needed new homes, this is going to improve life for the rest of the community that has had to put up with this building attracting anti-social behaviour to the area. The value of these loans goes far beyond just renovating a property.”
The project is being supported by Dover District Council, which is one of the district partners in the No Use Empty scheme. DDC Private Sector Housing Manager, Robin Kennedy, said:
“As well as Kent County Council, we have been working in partnership with the London Road Community Forum to try and secure improvements in this part of Dover, and this is a good example of how different organisations working together can achieve results. The building is in a prominent position near local shops, the town centre and public transport services, and has been a wasted resource while it stood empty. It’s fantastic to see it being brought back into use.”