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Video: Meet the people
behind Standard Quay's regeneration

by Katie Alston

Cottage businesses are breathing
life into Faversham’s Standard Quay through a loving restoration
project.

The transformation of one of
Britain’s oldest buildings, the old Gillett Cook grain store along
Faversham Creek, is being regenerated to bring interest and
economic benefits to the area.

Where once stood a disused corridor
of empty buildings now sits a row of individual shops and
businesses offering everything from wine and antiques to teddy bear
making and an art gallery showing off local talent.

With recession claiming new
enterprise victims daily, the unique character of this venture is
fighting back.

Restoration of the buildings which
can be found at the end of Abbey Road, has seen many period
features maintained which adds to the quirky feel of the
development.

Standard Quay came into its own at
the beginning of the year when tenants moved in to create the
foundations of a community.

The start up of a Sunday flea
market at the end of April is also boasting promising results, with
the first weekend being hailed a massive success which saw more
than 500 visitors.

Facing the Creekside, stall holders
sell their goods which range from plants and cheese, to trinkets
and collectables.

There is office space and retail
and industrial units still to let.

In two years time it is also hoped
plans for a boutique hotel, restaurant and cafe will help transform
the area into a vibrant community and an interesting place to visit
and work.

Managing director of Quayside
Properties Michael White (pictured right) said: "The building
is so interesting and it would be a shame to just lock it away and
stop people from being able to admire it.

"By splitting it up into small
units we can revitalise and reutilise the space to create
employment and tourism and make them work together.

"Craftsmen are disappearing and if
we can make it economic to help them operate and keep their
industries going, then great.

"Businesses are coming on board all
the time, so it is a really exciting venture. We are creating a
destination for tourists and people from the area.

"We see ourselves competing with
Rye. It is early days but we are confident our individuality will
mean we can compete with the big chain stores."