Cambridge Crescent
Developing a unique identity for redevelopment
FrancisKnight have been appointed by Skillcrown Homes to produce a public art delivery plan for Shepway Regeneration, Maidstone to help discharge a planning condition for public art. Skillcrown Homes are partnering with Golding Homes to deliver the first phase of the redevelopment.
Golding Homes are committed to providing quality housing for their customers and investing in local communities. The Cambridge Crescent area has been identified as an area for significant investment to replace the older housing, creating a modern and safer centre of Shepway. The redevelopment consists of 236 new, energy efficient affordable homes, with a thriving modern shopping area, and improved landscaping and community facilities. The aim is to create a vibrant community where people are proud to live.
The public art delivery plan will support the development partners aspirations to develop a unique identity and character for the redevelopment at the heart of Shepway.
The Lead Artist selected for the site is Kent–based maker and sculptor Jonathan Wright. Jonathan will collaborate with FrancisKnight and the design team to suggest artworks that could be included in the site. Community engagement will sit at the heart of the plan, with the aspiration to invite local people to share stories and connections to the area to influence the final artworks. The work could be incorporated into everyday items such as seating, lighting, signage or a central meeting point in the public space.
Jonathan is fascinated by craft techniques, and makes work that celebrates local history and people and has a function in the community.
In October 2024, Planning Condition 18 was successfully discharged. The opportunity to be involved at an early stage of the development meant the inclusion of public art could be considered at the design stage with artworks imagined as being integrated into the lighting, seating, walls, landscaping or signage, and waymarking of the scheme.