News

We've partnered with developer Skillcrown to transform  Maidstone Amateur Boxing Club (ABC) — a much-loved community hub that makes a real difference to people’s lives.  

The club provides a lifeline for locals, giving young people somewhere to belong, helping them build confidence, stay active and steer clear of antisocial behaviour. Rising costs and increasing demand had left the club struggling to maintain facilities and equipment, with some young members even sharing essentials like mouthguards.  

Based at St Hillary’s Hall in Mangravet, the boxing club moved into its new location in January but needed help with its facilities.  

Recognising the club’s vital role in the community, we've worked together with Skillcrown since the summer to address these needs, calling the project ‘Ringside Revival: a community fightback' . Improvements include a new boxing ring, essential kit, repairs and redecoration, so that the club can remain a safe, inclusive and inspiring space. The new-look club was officially unveiled at an event  this week.  

Joe Smith, Head Coach at Maidstone Amateur Boxing Club, said:  “After securing a new  long- term venue with the help of Maidstone Borough Council, we’re  still pinching ourselves with what came next after being awarded Golding Homes' social value project fund. We’d like to thank every  individual, company and contractor  who’s been involved, it really has been an amazing journey from where we were to where we are now. We're  so grateful for everything and we can now continue our amateur boxing programme and thrive as a club for the community in this great town for many years to come. ”  

Lucy Older, Regeneration Advisor at Golding Homes, added: "From the moment I first visited Maidstone ABC, it was clear this was so much more than a boxing club — it’s a safe space where people can belong, build confidence and feel part of something positive. Hearing the stories from Joe and the young people made it an easy decision for us to invest our social value project fund here. It’s been fantastic to see how the improvements will help the club continue making a real difference in the community."  

Matt Arnold, Land & Development Director at Skillcrown, said: "We've been blown away by the generosity and commitment shown by our subcontractors and supporters throughout the Ringside Revival project, with so many willing to contribute materials, funding and  expertise to help bring this project to life. It’s a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when the industry comes together. It quickly became clear that Maidstone ABC is far more than just a place to train – it’s a vital community hub with the ability to change lives and  we’re incredibly proud to have played a part in helping to secure its future."   

Skillcrown is the development partner for our regeneration scheme in Shepway – called Fielding Park – which is set to  include 236 affordable homes for local people, as well as a modern shopping area, improved landscaping and community facilities. Phases one and two of the development are well underway with completion expected in 2027.