60th anniversary
Milestone
2024 - A review of GCHA strategic plans/objectives for the next 3 - 5 years
Timeline
Over the past six decades, the landscape of housing in the UK, including Gravesham, Maidstone, Dartford, and the operations of the Gravesend Churches Housing Association (GCHA), has evolved significantly.
Past, Present & Future ~ 1964 - 2024 ~ Celebrating 60 years
This timeline encapsulates key milestones and developments from 1964 to 2024, offering insights into the pivotal moments that have shaped our community’s housing sector. From landmark policy changes and the introduction of innovative housing schemes to the impactful broadcast of “Cathy Come Home,” this overview highlights the journey towards addressing the housing needs within our communities.
Join us as we reflect on the challenges and achievements that have marked our commitment to providing affordable, quality housing and support services to those in need.
Now
2024
2022
Ruxton/Invicta Mews
New build
Ruxton/Invicta Mews, Meopham. New build, comprising 3 bed houses; Designed with sustainability in mind with air source heat pumps/electric car charging points.
2020 - 2021
Temporary halt in Housing Construction
COVID-19 Pandemic
Temporary halt in construction with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the nation and causing and causing a housing crisis due to an economic downturn.
2019
Housing development
Development
Christmas Lodge, Maidstone Kent. The development of eight market rent properties, comprising of 1 and 2 bed flats.
2018
Property acquisition
Acquisition
Aquired 7 Plane Avenue, 3 bed House, Gravesham
2017
New build
Development
14 London Road, Gravesham. New build consisting of seven 1 and 2 bedroom flats. The building includes GCHA current offices, which accommodates its 14 staff members.
2016
New build
Development
52 Burch Road, properties built consisting of twelve 1 and 2 bed market rent flats, Gravesham.
2014
New build
Development
Built Rochester Road properties, comprising of seven, 2 bed flats, Gravesham
2013
New build & property aquisition
Development & Aquisition
Development of Glebe Road properties, consisting of a mixture of houses and flats. In addition, we aquired Hitherfields consisting of 12 market rent properties, Gravesham.
2012
Property development
Development
Development of De Warren House, London Road, sixteen, 1 and 2 bed flats, with the ground floor flats adapted to house residents who require extra support with mobility.
2011
Refurbishment and conversion of properties
2002 - 2011
Purchase of several properties that were refurbished and converted into HMO's which are currently leased to Clarion Housing Association and Kasbah Supported Housing.
2004
Property Development
Development
Maurice Lewis Place was built consisting of ten, 2 bed flats in Gravesham. We also developed Wardone Court flats x six, 2 bed properties, in Partnership with Town & Country Housing Partnership.
2001
Building & purchase of properties
1997 -2001
A further 55 properties were built and purchased, of which 13 were flats and 42 properties were houses, across Gravesham, Dartford and Maidstone.
88-95
Properties built & purchased
1988-1995
Various properties built and purchased including William House, Windmill Court, Honeycombe Lodge, Portland Road, Albert Murray Close & Hereward Lincoln House, and others, leading to 95 new homes across Gravesham, Dartford and Maidstone.
1986
Aquired properties
Properties aquired 1986-1987
Cobham Terrace, Dartford. The properties were aquired in 1986-1987, consisting of 34 properties of which there is a combination of 1-3 bed flats and two houses.
76-85
New build & properties purchased
1976-1985
A busy period of GCHA of which 200 new homes were built, purchased. Some of these homes include Elizabeth Court, All Saints Close, Deidre Chapman House, Glenfield House.
1973
Purchase of houses & flats
Properties purchased
Thanet House, Gravesham, 28 properties, consisting of houses and one bed flats. Thanet House was opened by Councillor Rouse in November 1973
1972
GCHA Manager
Manager
Lady Ann Murray became the Manager at GCHA and was active in politics. She became Mayor in 1995. Albert Murray Close was named after her husband Albert Murray. Lady Ann Murray believed in social justice and helping peope make the most of their lives.
1968
Development project
One of our first Developments
Turner House, one of GCHA's first development projects, consisting of eighteen, 2 bed flats, Gravesham.
The properties were built with the purpose of housing mixed generations.
1966
Public Housing
"Cathy Come Home"
"Cathy Come Home" aired on the BBC, significantly influencing public opinion and policy regarding public housing and homlessness
1964
GCHA Properties
GCHA is formed
GCHA is formed and registered with the National Federation of Housing Societies on 23rd September 1964. There were 8 members of the church managing the association at the time. GCHA's registered office was 94 Wrotham Road, Gravesham. All members lived locally. Some of GCHA properties were named after the members, Turner House, Maurice Lewis and Deidre Chapman.