
A major milestone has been reached at a new development in Rochester where the keys have been handed over to the 500th finished property.
Created in a joint venture between Vistry, Britain’s biggest housebuilder and Hyde, in partnership with Medway Council and Homes England, Rochester Riverside will deliver 1,400 new homes on a 50-acres brownfield site.
The first three phases of the scheme comprise 502 new homes. The project has also delivered a public plaza, a river walkway, play area, a Travelodge, a Costa, a Co-op store and the Rochester Riverside Church of England Primary School, which opened in September 2023.
Four additional phases are planned at Rochester Riverside, which will finalise the project and introduce high-quality homes across four new neighbourhoods. Work is already underway on the next phase of construction on the southern portion of the site, comprising 154 homes, and detailed plans have been submitted for two further phases totalling 353 new homes towards the north of the site.
Alex Hodge, associate development director for Countryside Homes, said:
“Welcoming the residents into the 500th completed home at Rochester Riverside was a very proud and hugely significant moment. The good progress of the construction programme, which began in 2018, means that the site is now over one-third complete.
“This development features a wide variety of properties which has attracted strong demand and has helped to create a vibrant and diverse new community. Work is progressing well at the site and we are looking forward to welcoming more residents into their new homes as the neighbourhood grows.”
The first homes within the next phase of development at Rochester Riverside are due to be released for sale later this year.
Construction on this latest phase commenced earlier this spring and will see 154 new homes built, with 70 of these for the private market alongside 84 affordable homes for local people – 43 available via low-cost rent and 41 through shared ownership. Construction for this latest phase is estimated to be completed in 2026.
Alex added: “The new phase of 154 homes will deliver a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom houses to meet the specific requirements of the local housing market. These homes will provide extra choice for house-hunters keen to settle down in an attractive and sustainable development on the banks of the River Medway.
“In addition to this, detailed plans have been submitted for two further phases at the development, which will bring an additional 353 new homes. These phases will consist of a collection of 274 private apartments and houses and 79 affordable homes.
“The wider Rochester Riverside scheme is testament of our commitment to create new communities and help meet the need for new housing in this area of Kent.”
Steven Morrice, Hyde’s Development and Sales Director said: “This ground-breaking regeneration project is transforming the area, meeting urgent local housing needs.
“Our focus has always been on creating a place where people can feel secure and thrive, offering affordable homes that provide stability for both families and individuals.
“As we continue to build more homes in the next phases, our commitment remains to delivering a vibrant, supportive and connected community, where residents can put down roots and grow together.”
Cllr Louwella Prenter, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness, said: “We are committed to providing high-quality and affordable homes in Medway. It is great to see Rochester Riverside continue to progress, with 500 homes now occupied and the next stage of construction underway. This development will also deliver benefits to the wider community, including new public open spaces and the Rochester Riverside Church of England Primary School. I look forward to seeing Rochester Riverside continue to grow over the coming years.”
For the latest news on Rochester Riverside visit Medway.gov.uk/RochesterRiverside
To find out more about Vistry’s Countryside Homes developments in the area, visit countrysidehomes.com.