House builder Redrow has created about 40 jobs after opening a new division in the county.

The developer has moved a team of 55 into offices in Prince Regent House, Chatham, to manage various developments in the region.

Redrow South East will look after housing sites like St Andrews Park in Halling, where it is building 385 homes, and the construction of 950 properties on the former Northfleet West Substation.

One of the company’s most recent acquisitions is the Temple Waterfront site in Strood.

Redrow Homes South East managing director Chris Lilley said: “The housing market in the South East, and Kent in particular, is buoyant and our goal is to satisfy demand by opening more new outlets and expanding our presence in the market place.

“Moving to the new Chatham office is part of our strategy for growth as it not only means we’re now closer to our existing sites, but we’re ideally placed to identify land with development potential in Medway and throughout Kent.”

He added: “A third of the people based in the Chatham office have transferred from other Redrow offices, but the majority are new to the company bringing skills and experience they’ve gained both in the construction industry and other sectors.

“This combination helps bring a fresh approach to the business.

"Everyone is of a similar mind-set and wants the business to be very successful.

"There’s a lot of drive from everyone working here at all levels.”