Demolition has officially started at the ex-Military of Defence base, Fort Halstead, in Kent. Barratt Redrow formally purchased the site in September 2024 and has begun the first phases of demolition.
Barratt Redrow Kent is taking a phased approach to the demolishment of the existing site, with the process expected to take over eight months. The demolishment has started in areas such as sundry buildings, the canteen and the first phases of the main hangar. Other areas of the site such as the bunkers are set to follow, subject to ecology clearance.
Barratt Redrow Kent’s plans will transform the historic military site into 635 homes. The development is expected to take over six years to complete, with homes being sold from next year. Barratt Redrow Kent and Soilfix are working together to ensure the protection, enhancement and maintenance of the ancient woodland that exists on site, which benefits local habitats.
Fort Halstead will allow for 20% of affordable housing to support Sevenoaks District Council’s targets in accordance with its local plan. Infrastructure will be plentiful here, with a proposed new village centre with a range of retail spaces and community buildings.
Within the wider S106 agreements, there is a piece of land safeguarded for a primary school, provision for community space, travel infrastructure and a Historic Interpretation Centre in The Fort and Heritage Trail.
William Walsh, Managing Director at Barratt Redrow Kent, comments: “The site is entrenched in British history, and we’re pleased to feature as a small portion as demolition begins. We’re not only providing a significant number of homes to the area, but also a brand-new community with amenities that will ensure people and place thrive together.”
Barratt Redrow Kent will also provide a network of green spaces which will ensure every resident access to a green link within 100 metres of their home. To encourage more sustainable travel, active travel routes for pedestrians and cyclists will be created. A heritage walking trail will also be delivered as the site progresses. The development will also supply bird boxes, bat boxes, dormice nest boxes, a bat barn and a retained building to be repurposed as a hibernacula and bat loft.
Preservation of this historic site is of the upmost importance and comprehensive measures have been put in place to ensure this is adhered to. Options to reopen The Fort, closed off to the public for generations, will also be explored.
Listed buildings, such as the Penney Building, will be refurbished and incorporated into the proposed Village Centre. The bunker area will also be carefully retained to form part of the heritage walking trail within the site.
William Walsh, Managing Director at Barratt Redrow Kent, continues: “Developments such as Fort Halstead do not happen overnight, and it’s with thanks to our project partners that we can celebrate this next milestone. The site will perfectly blend the history of Fort Halstead with preservation of ancient woodland, The Fort and listed buildings, as well as new amenities such as the economic hub and village square. We look forward to the next milestone in Fort Halstead’s journey.”
