As Inside Housing Living examines the progress of Ebbsfleet Garden City, Henley reflects on the importance of infrastructure, partnership and long-term planning in delivering large-scale regeneration.
Whitecliffe, part of Ebbsfleet Garden City in Kent, is taking shape, with thousands of residents now calling the former quarry site home.
A recent feature by Inside Housing Living explores the progress being made at Whitecliffe, highlighting the scale of the development and the collaboration involved in creating a new community.
Together with Camland, Henley is helping transform Whitecliffe from a former quarry into three distinct neighbourhoods within Ebbsfleet Garden City.
With 2,607 homes now completed and occupied, the development spans Alkerden, Ashmere and Castle Hill, bringing together a mix of housing tenures alongside new education, transport and community infrastructure.
Building the Infrastructure for a Community to Grow
As master developer of Whitecliffe through its partnership with Camland, Henley plays a central role in preparing land for residential development, delivering essential infrastructure and coordinating with housebuilders and public-sector stakeholders.
A significant recent milestone was the opening of the £90 million Alkerden Church of England Academy in September 2026, providing primary and secondary education within the development.
Alongside new transport connections and ongoing work to bring forward the planned town centre, the school reflects a central principle of the Whitecliffe masterplan: the infrastructure that supports everyday life must progress alongside the delivery of new homes.
Collaboration at the Heart of Whitecliffe
The progress at Whitecliffe reflects the importance of strong partnerships and a shared commitment to delivering a cohesive, well-connected community.
Working alongside Camland, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, housebuilders and housing providers, Henley is helping coordinate the many elements of the masterplan, from residential development and infrastructure to the amenities and public spaces that support everyday life.
As highlighted by Jay Squier, Managing Director at Henley, bringing stakeholders together and maintaining a collaborative approach is central to delivering a project of this scale.
The progress at Whitecliffe highlights the role of long-term planning, coordinated delivery and public-private collaboration in bringing major regeneration projects forward.
A Long-Term Approach to Placemaking
Whitecliffe provides a practical example of the coordination, infrastructure planning and sustained engagement required to transform a large brownfield site into a new residential community.
For Henley, the project reflects a wider commitment to working with partners to deliver complex regeneration schemes that respond to local needs and contribute to the development of places over time.
As Whitecliffe continues to develop, its progress offers valuable lessons for the wider industry on the importance of planning beyond individual buildings and delivering the foundations of a functioning community.
Read the full feature: The New Town That’s Quietly Being Built in Kent — Inside Housing Living
