A housing development in Aylesford with a sustainability focus is close to completion following multi-million pound support from Lloyds Bank.
The latest phase of Ashlin Quarter, created by property developer Michael Shwartz Group, is a gated development of 68 houses comprising two and three-bedroom homes, made possible by a £6m development facility from Lloyds Bank. The funding meant Michael Shwartz Group could accelerate construction and capitalise on demand from first-time buyers created by the early completion of the properties.
Ashlin Quarter has grown over the last six years to become a new community in the Kent village. Its properties utilise the government’s various Help to Buy schemes, meaning that both first time buyers and existing homeowners can purchase a house with as little as a 5% deposit. The development has already attracted generations of families from as far as Scotland who have come to live there, as well as local families from the Kent area.
In addition to its investment in Aylesford housing, Michael Shwartz Group, which employs 11 staff at its Harrow headquarters, is committed to supporting the local economy and community. Where possible, the business prefers to use local suppliers and local tradespeople on site. It also sponsored the sports kits of the local primary school where children from Ashlin Quarter attend.
Managing Director Michael Shwartz says the community feel of Ashlin Quarter is beyond anything he could have hoped for when work started on the development back in 2015.
He said: “We feel very fortunate that families love living at Ashlin Quarter, and that has helped to create a real community spirit. Over the years, Lloyds Bank has taken the time to get to know our business, and the flexibility, advice and financial support we get from them continues to be crucial to our success.”
Michael Shwartz Group, has been a customer of Lloyds Bank since 2016.
Chris Spearing, Relationship Director at Lloyds Bank, added: “Michael and the team’s work on Ashlin Quarter goes beyond being a property developer. They’ve created sustainable, affordable housing, a new community in Aylesford, and more jobs to support the local economy. We feel proud to be by the side of the business and look forward to supporting it during the next phase of its journey.”
Michael Shwartz Group’s other recent projects include the development of six apartments and commercial space at Rooks Corner in South Harrow, and it is soon to begin work on a 1,000-unit development in Alperton, Wembley.
