The groundwork of a multi-million-pound regeneration project is underway as children from the community unveil artwork for the development’s hoarding.

The demolition of homes at Cambridge Crescent in Shepway near Maidstone, was completed in August and now work has begun to see the development “come out of the ground”.

Golding Homes investment in the area will see 114 existing homes and shops replaced with 236 new, energy-efficient affordable homes and a modern shopping area, improved landscaping and community facility.

As part of its commitment to community engagement, on Monday (September 23) children from five local schools unveiled their artwork on the hoardings - which many walk past on their way to school.

Pupils from Molehill Academy, Parkway, Senacre Wood, Greenfields and St Martin’s Church primary school attended the event.

Each artwork answered questions about what makes a community – with children creating drawings around friendship, neighbours, family, love and environment.

Grace Ingram, who attends Senacre Wood, said: “We put lots of effort and creativity into the artwork.”

While pupil Nicole Capeli Canhassi, of the same school said: “I put loads of people with the pride flag because everyone is together and we can’t exclude people.”

Lucy Older, regeneration coordinator for Golding Homes said: “The project gets the children more excited for the construction, obviously children aren’t too involved in construction but having their mark on this hoarding really gets them involved.

“On site at the moment they are working on the ground works but we’re still working on a lot of engagement with local schools, we hold an information evening every six months.”

Skillcrown, the project contractor, has now started the groundwork which will be ongoing for the next 12 weeks, while in some sections on site, excavation work has begun.

Tom Casey, director of development and strategic asset management at Golding Homes, said: “This is a really big project that’s going to happen over the next few years, and we really want the local community to be aware.

“Phase 1 demolition completed a few weeks ago and there is equipment in the back that is preparing the foundations and over the coming months we will start seeing the development come out of the ground.”

In addition, Tom says that as the project progresses there will be employment opportunities for local people adding: “We are really keen that the local economy benefits from this project.”