PFI & PPP Projects

Better Homes Active Lives, Kent PFI

Better Homes Active Lives - Kent PFI

By the end of 2009 the Better Homes Active Lives Private Finance Initiative will deliver some 350 apartments for vulnerable adults, whether they be elderly, have learning difficulties or mental health problems. The project is a true partnership between local District Councils, Kent County Council, a charitable developer and private construction companies. 

As architects for all 17 buildings on 12 sites, we have been responsible for designing and achieving planning permission within six months for each scheme. While there is a recognisable style running across the whole family of buildings, each building is tailored to its site, context and local requirements. The seven care homes, in particular, are very large buildings inserted into well-developed communities. The response to extensive local consultation to ensure these buildings are well integrated has required an extremely sensitive design solution.

calfordseaden has worked with the two contractors over the past 12 months to produce comprehensive working drawings for each site. The programme has been extremely challenging - there was one short period when all sites were running at the same time - and we have been able to stay ahead of construction to finalise all the sites in good time. The programme, which began in early 2005, is coming to an end - the first building has already been handed over and occupied and as this year progresses the rate of completions will accelerate providing all the accommodation on time. 

Client: Kent County Council/Housing 21 

Contract Period: Early part of 2007 - anticipated contract period for planning approximately 12 months 

Value: £70 million (construction value only)

Services: Architect, Planning Consultancy