Global thinking, island living
Countryside Maritime is preparing to launch Ventura Riverside, the most environmentally friendly phase of development to date on St Mary’s Island, Chatham Maritime. Comprising 71 one and two bedroom apartments, and two, three and four bedroom houses, many of the homes have balconies or terraces with stunning views over the River Medway. Countryside Maritime is a joint venture between Countryside Properties and South East England Development Agency (SEEDA).
Due to launch in late October 2007, all the homes combine superb contemporary design, space and elegance with a wealth of environmentally friendly features, all located within an exceptionally high quality, sustainable environment. The homes have all been designed to achieve the highest EcoHomes rating of Excellent when assessed as a whole development, and have enviable green credentials, all helping to conserve valuable resources and reduce their impact on the environment.
Homes feature energy efficient boilers and light fittings, predominately ‘A’ rated appliances and high levels of insulation. Solar hot water panels on the roof of each house* will generate up to 60 per cent of the households’ hot water thereby reducing energy use.. Spray taps, dual flush toilets and garden water butts significantly reduce water use, whilst integrated recycling bins in the kitchens encourage residents to recycle more. Not only do these features help to reduce each home’s carbon footprint, but they also help lower utility bills.
It’s not just the homes on St Mary’s Island that are eco-friendly; the whole Island has been designed with the environment in mind. The car is no longer king, as the community benefits from an extensive network of footpaths and cycleways that give priority to pedestrians and cyclists. These also provide convenient access to the amenities on the Island, including a doctors’ surgery, primary school, church and a well used community centre. There is the added bonus of three ‘walking bus’ routes around the Island to enable children to be safely accompanied on foot to the school. Just a short stroll over the bridge, residents can make the most of a multitude of cafes and restaurants, a multiplex cinema and over 70 shops at the Dockside Outlet Centre.
Chris Crook, Subsidiary Managing Director of Countryside Properties says: “Countryside Properties is committed to creating sustainable communities featuring energy efficient homes. The success of previous phases on St Mary’s Island shows that this is exactly what people want and interest in Ventura Riverside is already high.”
Jonathan Sadler, SEEDA’s Development Director for the Thames Gateway, said: “We already have a thriving, vibrant community on St Mary’s Island and this latest scheme will be a welcome addition to the existing homes. The next phase of apartments at the popular Fishing Village is also being released for sale in October and, with the recent opening of the Odeon cinema and Marks and Spencer at the Dockside Outlet centre, now is a very exciting time to be at Chatham Maritime.”
For further details about Ventura Riverside and other forthcoming phases of development from Countryside Maritime on St Mary's Island, visit Stmarysisland.uk.com.
