Work on the £200 million Stanhope regeneration project continues despite the recession.

Ashford Borough Council says that even with the severe downturn buyers are moving into new homes, with one-bedroom flats going for £89,950 and two-bedroom ones for £99,950.

The council adds that the estate’s new commercial area is being fitted out and is close to completion.

The estate’s post office and general store will close on April 15, but replacement services are due to open in the new units soon afterwards.

A fast-food outlet has also been signed up for the new shopping area and the development consortium is hoping for a pub to fill the corner unit.

A council spokesman said: “The consortium is hopeful that potential licensees will be attracted as they can see how well the area is being regenerated and the potential catchment area the pub would have.”

More than 220 out of 323 properties have been refurbished, and new development sites on the former Luddenham Close and Bredgar Close areas have been completed.

Otterden Close is almost completed and tenants are starting to move into the west side of the street. Work on Speldhurst Close is well under way and Ackerley Court is now empty and due for demolition.