Residential and commercial builder Redrow has pledged to build at least 350 new homes after it acquired 27 acres of land on the former Sittingbourne Industrial Park.

The site was cleared of industrial buildings after it was earmarked as a possible new home for a new superstore in 2011 before these plans stalled, leaving the site vacant.

Redrow has now announced plans to redevelop the land to provide “a shot in the arm for the local economy” by delivering “much-needed new homes.”

Land Director for Redrow Homes (South East), Glen Wells, explained that in its draft Local Plan, Swale Council has pinpointed increased housing provision, including provision at Sittingbourne Industrial Park.

Wells commented: “We know from the success of Archers Park that there’s a high demand for new homes in Sittingbourne and with this latest acquisition we’ll be helping address the housing shortage while regenerating a prominent brownfield town centre site that has lain vacant for a number of years.”

He also said that he believes the proposals will mean that the land will be used in a good way once again and will boost the local economy by providing investment for the area and new jobs, along with new homes.

The new plans include the construction of 650 homes on land either side of Crown Quay Lane, a number of which have been identified to be built on the land which has been acquired by Redrow.

Wells added: “For our part we’ll be proposing to build at least 350 homes, possibly more on the former industrial park site.”

Despite still being in their early stages, it is expected that the plans will offer a range of properties from apartments to four bedroom homes.

Details of the community contributions concerning the proposed Sittingbourne Industrial Park redevelopment are to be agreed in consultation with Kent County Council and Swale Council during the planning process.