Sections of a major regeneration scheme in Maidstone have officially been opened.

Daniel Moriarty, Mayor of Maidstone, has opened Phases 1 and 2 of Golding Homes' new project at Wallis Avenue in Park Wood.

The first two phases have provided 146 new homes and 13 retail units, two of which will be occupied by a local community cafe and training centre.

The 146 new homes on the site include a mix of family houses and flats and replace a similar number of outdated properties.

The new retail units replace shops in the existing Park Wood parade, which will be demolished to make way for a further 56 houses, flats and two more shops.

The development is all part of Golding Homes’ Wallis Fields regeneration scheme.

Both national and local independent retailers have signed up to the new shop units including The Beauty Closet, Heart of Kent Hospice, Greggs Bakery and McColls convenience store.

The remaining units are currently being finalised.

Mark Mickelburgh, head of retail for Heart of Kent Hospice said: “We are delighted with the new shop with is both modern and spacious and offers us a great opportunity to stock a greater range of furniture as well as our usual range of donated items.

"We are already open and trading and look forward to welcoming both new and existing customers to our store.”

Anne Chapman, Golding Homes’ head of new business and commercial services said: “We are delighted that retailers share our vision for this area. The construction stage is coming to an end, several retailers are already trading and we are looking forward to the remaining shops opening throughout April.”

Once complete the Wallis Fields development will create 200 new homes, a local community facility and 15 commercial units.

The project is being completed with support from the Homes and Communities Agency.