Chartway Partnerships Group has completed Alkerden 5B, a major Build-to-Rent and affordable housing development within Ebbsfleet Garden City that combines low-carbon living, professionally managed rental homes and long-term community investment.
Delivered in partnership with Packaged Living and Moat, the development has transformed a former quarry site into a mixed-tenure neighbourhood comprising 121 Build-to-Rent homes, 33 shared ownership homes and eight affordable homes.
Designed around affordability, sustainability and modern living, the scheme includes 47 Octopus Energy ‘Zero Bills’ homes, allowing residents to benefit from no energy bills through a combination of photovoltaic panels and Tesla Powerwall battery storage systems. Surplus energy generated by the homes is fed back into the grid.
At a time when energy costs continue to impact renters across the UK, the development demonstrates how Build-to-Rent housing can help tackle both affordability and sustainability challenges simultaneously.
A total of 121 homes achieve EPC A ratings, with the remaining homes rated EPC B. Smart meters and integrated Utopi monitoring systems have also been installed throughout the development, giving residents greater visibility and control over their energy use.
The homes were constructed using a timber frame solution and durable, low-maintenance materials selected to improve both build efficiency and long-term performance. The project team also prioritised environmental performance during construction, including the use of hybrid generators on site and the reuse of approximately 17,000m³ of material across the wider quarry redevelopment.
Graham Chivers, CEO of Chartway Group said:
“Alkerden 5B demonstrates how Build-to-Rent developments can push beyond standard housing delivery to provide long-term value for residents and communities alike.
The combination of Zero Bills technology, high EPC performance and professionally managed homes has created a development that responds directly to the challenges many renters are facing around affordability and energy costs, while also delivering strong environmental performance.
The project is also a great example of what can be achieved through collaborative working across the supply chain, with the team delivering a complex and highly innovative scheme ahead of programme and to an exceptionally high standard.”
The development forms part of the wider regeneration of Ebbsfleet Garden City and has been designed to support long-term placemaking as well as housing delivery. Landscaped courtyard spaces, coordinated street scenes and a sustainable drainage strategy linked to a central lake contribute to the character of the neighbourhood, while biodiversity enhancements include hedgehog houses and highways, and a bug hotel.
The project also delivered a significant programme of social value initiatives throughout construction, including careers events, educational visits and apprenticeship opportunities. In total, the scheme supported 36 T-Level placement days and opportunities for eight apprentices within the supply chain.
Chartway Partnerships Group also worked with local organisations and education providers, including North Kent College, through donations of materials and support for construction training initiatives.
Alex Basset, Associate Director at Packaged Living said:
"Alkerden 5B demonstrates how Build-to-Rent developments can successfully combine high-quality homes, strong environmental performance and a focus on resident wellbeing.
At Packaged Living, we aspire to be industry-leading in our approach to ESG integration and sustainability has been a fundamental consideration throughout the development. The scheme incorporates renewable energy generation, low-carbon technologies and energy-efficient homes designed to help residents reduce both their environmental impact and household costs.
Located within Ebbsfleet Valley and part of an NHS-designated Healthy New Town, Alkerden 5B has been designed to support healthy, sustainable living. The homes combine contemporary design with environmentally responsible features, while the
wider development has been planned to create a nature-led setting that promotes wellbeing and a strong sense of community.
The project highlights what can be achieved through effective partnership working and a shared commitment to delivering homes that respond to both housing demand and wider sustainability objectives. We look forward to welcoming residents to the new neighbourhood."
Sarah Butler, Director of Development and Sales at Moat added:
“We know the value that partnership work brings to developing high-quality homes for our customers. By working together with Chartway and Packaged Living, we've been able to bring together build-to-rent, shared ownership, and affordable homes within a single, inclusive neighbourhood.
Thanks to the 'Zero Bills' homes model, Alkerden 5B will provide our customers with warm, energy-efficient homes that are cheaper to run.
Developments like this are essential for helping us meet different housing needs across the region while also making sure that customers benefit from well-designed homes, good public spaces, and a safe and comfortable place to live for many years to come."
Alkerden 5B was completed several months ahead of programme while maintaining consistently low defect levels. The development has also received multiple industry accolades, including LABC awards for quality and site management, the Bricks Award 2025 for Development Over 100 Units in the South Region, and, most recently, an award from Octopus Energy recognising its innovation in sustainable housing delivery.
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