Transforming the Great Lines

Based on the restoration of a unique historic landmark of local, national and international significance, the Great Lines City Park will be designed by and for the people of Medway. The park will offer education, training, sports and recreation opportunities, based on the historic fortifications of the Chatham Lines and their field of fire.

Together with the Dockyard, the former defences are included on the government's list of sites to propose for World Heritage Site Status. The Great Lines are a magnificent heritage and open space asset, but are underused, and suffer from poor access and low quality facilities.

Although the Big Lottery Fund did not shortlist the project for funding (in 2006), a wide range of partners who support the bid are still committed to developing the Great Lines City Park. They have agreed to work together, to explore all possible means of delivering a living landmark, by improving access and usage of 30 hectares of open space.

Medway will change dramatically over the next 20 years. Within this context, the Great Lines deserves a new future as a world-class park – amid massive change and regeneration, it could become an invaluable gift to the people of Medway.