More than £800,000 is set to be invested in and around a town centre following a series of payments by a housebuilder.

Bellway, which is building new homes at Kingfisher Green off Lower Rainham Road, Rainham, has paid the financial contributions to Medway Council which were outlined in a planning agreement.

The developer says it has paid in full ahead of schedule – meaning that public services can receive the investment earlier than expected.

Sales director of Bellway Kent, Mark Harrop, said: “We have delivered all the funds we promised to contribute as part of the planning agreement for Kingfisher Green well in advance of the completion of the project.

“This means Medway Council can spend the money and improve the facilities used by the local community sooner. Over £445,000 of the total funds provided will support education, facilities for young people, libraries and health care.

“To help maintain public open spaces in Rainham, we’ve contributed more than £272,000, of which £53,000 will go towards the preservation of Berengrave Nature Reserve, which neighbours the development.

“Other contributions include substantial investment in roads, waste and recycling facilities and sports facilities.”

Detailed plans for the new homes at Kingfisher Green, which is off Lower Rainham Road near the junction with Berengrave Lane, were approved in April 2021 and work began in June.

Medway council's planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the scheme.

The planning agreement included the provision of 20 affordable homes available through shared ownership or rent, alongside 59 three and four-bedroom houses for private sale.

The development will also feature public open space including a children’s play area.

A four-bedroom Bowyer showhome and a three-bedroom Turner home are due to open to the public at Kingfisher Green this summer and the first residents are set to move into their new homes in the autumn.

Mr Harrop added: “The new homes at Kingfisher Green will help in fulfilling the demand for new housing in Rainham, with a quarter of the properties being built allocated as affordable housing for local people.

“This is a sustainable location for new homes, within walking distance of a range of local amenities, and we’re making a positive contribution to the local community with the provision of new open space and investment in facilities.”

Three and four-bedroom houses are available to reserve at Kingfisher Green, with prices starting from £394,995. To find out more, call 01732 622570 or click here.