Roads

Historic Esplanade gets revamp

Rochester Esplanade, one of the most attractive and historic stretches of riverside road in Medway, is receiving structural improvements that will result in improvements for both road users and pedestrians.

The wall that supports the southern section of road above the river’s edge is being strengthened with new supports to ensure its future safety. At the same time, the footway on the river side of the road will be widened, creating better access for pedestrians.

The work is necessary because the existing riverside wall is becoming weaker and needs reinforcing. The new wall will be built just in front of the existing one, creating the extra width for the footway.

“These works will address the problem well before it becomes a serious hazard,” said Portfolio Holder for Front Line Services Phil Filmer. “We’re sorry for the temporary inconvenience the works will cause but we’ve done our best to minimise this.”

Special silent piling techniques are being used to keep noise levels to a minimum for nearby residents. The work will be done in stages over the next few years.

The first phase started on 16 January 2006 and was completed on 16 August 2006.

The second phase is due to start in early 2009.

The Esplanade runs past the birthplace of many famous flying boats made by Short Brothers in their factory, where the modern flats now stand. The slipway ramps from which they were launched can still be seen.

The council’s engineers are co-operating with the Short Brothers Commemoration Society, which plans to erect a statue near one of the slipways to commemorate the firm’s achievements.

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