Did you know that Charles Dickens is one of Medway’s proudest claims to fame? The renowned author spent his childhood in Chatham, and the area is said to have influenced many of his acclaimed novels. Rochester High Street is peppered with plaques marking locations that inspired his works, including Restoration House, which served as the model for Miss Havisham’s fictional home, Satis House, in Great Expectations.
To mark World Book Day in this town with deep literary heritage, leading housing provider L&Q donated over 180 books worth £1,500 to local New Road Primary School, on behalf of its new housing development Capstone Green.
Capstone Green is L&Q’s first Rent to Buy development in the South of England, an area with immense demand for Government-backed rental schemes similar to London Living Rent. With a range of two- and three-bedroom apartments alongside three- and four-bedroom family homes, the development offers design-led properties surrounded by endless green space yet just a short journey from London.
On 6th March, New Road Primary School received a donation of over 180 fiction books, adding a wide variety of fiction to the library in time for World Book Day. The texts were meticulously hand-selected and sourced by local family-run business Store 104 and will be dispersed throughout the year groups.
On the day, students celebrated by dressing up as their favourite book characters, whilst Andrea Palmer, Head of Intermediate Rent at L&Q, attended.
Andrea comments: “Our vision at L&Q is not only to deliver high-quality affordable homes, but also to invest in sustainable, successful communities where people can be proud to live. In supporting New Road Primary School and partnering with Store 104, we are delighted to give back to such a wonderful community in this way, especially considering the literary heritage of the area. We hope current and future students at the school enjoy their new books!”
Samantha Cooper, Headteacher at New Road Primary school, explains; “We are incredibly grateful for the generous donation of books that has enriched our school’s library and provided our children with new opportunities to explore the world of literature. Celebrating World Book Day was a joyous occasion for our students, who thoroughly enjoyed dressing up as their favourite characters and engaged in various reading activities”.
Homes at Capstone Green are available through Rent to Buy, a Government-backed initiative that helps customers transition from renting to homeownership. With rents set at approximately 80% of what a similar property would be on the open market, customers have more opportunity to save on a monthly basis, which can help towards a deposit to buy a home*.
Built to a high specification, homes feature open-plan layouts and bright, spacious rooms. From copper-handled cabinets to integrated kitchen appliances, interiors are both modern and tasteful. Select homes also enhance the biodiversity of the development, with blooming fruit trees planted in the gardens.
Surrounded by Capstone Farm Country Park and the nearby River Medway, Capstone Green is immersed in natural beauty. Set in an established and thriving community, homes are also within the catchment area for excellent schools and nurseries, making it an ideal place for families to call home. Rural peace hasn’t compromised interconnectivity as efficient transport links can be found a stone’s throw away, with Chatham station providing easy access to London Victoria in just 45 minutes.
Monthly rental prices start at £1,000 PCM for a two-bedroom apartment. Minimum household incomes start at £33,690 for a single application and £28,710 for a joint application. Please note minimum income requirements should be used as a guide and can vary depending on circumstances and financial commitments.
For more information on eligibility and to register interest, please visit lqhomes.com/capstonegreen.
* Customers at Capstone Green may have the option to buy their home at the end of their tenancy, through Shared Ownership, or outright with L&Q. For more information and eligibility criteria, visit lqhomes.com/renting-with-lq/rent-to-buy-homes/.
