The Old Hospital is Still Enriching Lives
Story posted: 10/06/2010
Figures recently released indicate that in one year, it is possible for a single car to release up to 120 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.* Given the unpopularity of congestion charges, one of the best ways to reduce the number of cars is a pooling system, and this is what is being introduced in Maidstone, Kent.
Higgins Homes is paving the way in sustainability with the introduction of the ‘Streetcar’ scheme at it’s new development, The Old Hospital in Maidstone, Kent. A car will be permanently based on site for residents and others to use, as and when they need it, at a fraction of the price that it would cost to retain a personal vehicle.
Jeremy Marcus, Marketing Director at Higgins Homes, comments: “A key facet of our business is ensuring sustainability in all our developments. The introduction of the Streetcar is another step towards achieving this and ensuring that we actively contribute towards the protection of the environment. These types of schemes will become increasingly prevalent as they are affordable, promote sustainability and reduce congestion. The Streetcar has been very well received by purchasers at The Old Hospital and there is now the potential for it to be used in many of our other urban developments.”
Adam Lacey, Development Manager of Streetcar, comments: “We’ve found that an increasing number of developments and businesses are opting for the Streetcar scheme as the benefits are undeniable. It makes perfect sense for those who don’t drive every day and since you can use it as long as is necessary, many people find it suits them perfectly. Our company has already saved more than 100,000 tonnes of CO² through reduced driving alone and we intend to increase this figure significantly by the end of the year.”
Residents living at The Old Hospital will each receive two years free membership to Streetcars as well as a £25 credit voucher to get them started. The Streetcar is available for hire from 30 minutes up to 6 months and only costs £4.95 per hour. Entirely eco friendly, each Streetcar is estimated to take an average of 26 privately owned cars off the road, as users become accustomed to the easy nature of booking and driving the vehicle.**
The Old Hospital has been restored along very sustainable guidelines and it is highly environmentally sensitive. All the new apartments have been built to conform to level 3 of The Code For Sustainable Homes and features such as energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, recycling schemes, environmental impacts and ecological management have all been examined. Apartments within the Grade II listed building have been sensitively restored and many of the original features retained. In addition to the Streetcar, various means of transport are available to residents and a specialist network of cycling paths and pedestrian walkways ensure easy access to town, as does the close location of Maidstone East Station.
Current availability at The Old Hospital features a collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments within the Grade 11 listed building which have been uniquely designed to incorporate contemporary living amidst old architecture. Prices at this striking development start at £134,950 for a one bedroom apartment. A show apartment is available for viewings by appointment, while the sales and marketing suite is open daily from 10am to 5pm and is contactable on telephone: 01622 661 511.
*www.green.sc
