Demolition is set to begin on an estate as part of a multi-million-pound regeneration project.

Golding Homes will be knocking down more than 100 properties in Shepway near Maidstone over the next few weeks.

In May 2021, the housing association revealed plans to revamp the estate.

The scheme involves removing 114 existing apartments and shops, which will be replaced with 236 energy-efficient homes, a modern shopping area, improved landscaping and community facilities.

The area of Cambridge Crescent was once home to a manor house known as Shepway Court and was originally part of an orchard.

Construction of the suburb started in the 1930s with South Park Road, but the majority of homes were built after the Second World War as part of a government drive to offset housing shortages.

The revamp hopes to tackle antisocial behaviour while upgrading facilities.

Plans were given the green light more than 18 months later, in November 2022.

Read more: Our reporter visited Cambridge Crescent and Northumberland Road to see what the area is really like.

The multi-million-pound regeneration will be split into three phases.

Last winter, residents were moved out of their homes and utilities were disconnected.

Golding Homes has now entered into a contract with Skillcrown as the development partner for phase one.

They will be building 119 new homes, made up of 91 one and two-bedroom flats and 28 two and three-bedroom houses, as well as four commercial units.

Work to prepare the site is now underway, with demolition due to start in the next two weeks.

Homes England, the government’s housing agency, is providing grant funding for the first phase of the project, which is expected to be completed by early 2026.

Tom Casey, executive director of development and strategic asset management at Golding Homes, said: “We’re very happy to have Skillcrown on board.

“Over recent years we’ve worked closely with the local community and stakeholders in Shepway and are now looking forward to getting started on site and delivering our shared vision for the area.

“This significant investment project, supported by Homes England funding, will provide a range of new affordable homes, shops and facilities for the local community.”

Salik Osman, Skillcrown’s managing director, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Golding Homes to deliver these much-needed affordable homes to help kick-start the regeneration of the area.

“We look forward to working with the local community to bring forward a development that everyone can be proud of.”