Go-ahead for Chatham’s new bus station

Plans for a new high-tech bus station for Chatham were approved by the council’s planning committee last night (Wednesday, 27 January).

There will be a travel information centre and the White House on Riverside Gardens will be refurbished as a base for bus drivers.

The project has been the subject of extensive public consultation.

Plans that involved building on part of The Paddock were dropped after concerns about loss of trees and green space: 17 trees would have been felled on The Paddock and 14 more in Riverside Gardens, the other side of Globe Lane.

The revised plans affect just four trees on The Paddock and 13 in Riverside Gardens. Two trees will be planted for every tree felled.

The bus station, available to all operators, is being paid for by the Homes and Communities Agency from the Thames Gateway funding secured by Medway from central government.

Council leader Cllr Rodney Chambers, said: “This is very important to Chatham’s future.

“In the years ahead, Chatham centre and the waterfront will see huge benefits from Medway’s programme of regeneration – new homes, shops, cafes, bars, parkland and public squares.

“But major infrastructure improvements have to come first. We have to pave the way for investment and economic growth. That’s why central Chatham’s road system is being remodelled, improving traffic flow. That’s why we’re investing heavily in Chatham’s retail environment. And it’s why Chatham is getting one of the best bus stations in Britain - boosting the efficiency, appeal and future capacity of public transport in Medway.”

Robin Cooper, the council’s Director of Regeneration, Culture and Community, said: “We can now say goodbye to one of the worst bus facilities in Britain at The Pentagon and provide a welcoming experience for the 60,000 passengers a week who get on and off buses here in Chatham. This is very good news for the bus travellers of Medway.”

Kevin Hawkins, commercial director at bus operator Arriva, said: “We welcome the approval today of the new bus station facility. Medway deserves a modern well-equipped bus terminal and we know that passengers will benefit from the substantial improvements over the current outdated environment at the Pentagon. The new site will enable us to run a more efficient network of bus services in Medway.”

Ian Saunders, partner at architects D5, said: “The scheme is designed for the pedestrian and bus user alike. Sitting within the established landscape between the Paddock and river, the station buildings are designed as open and welcoming pavilions, set within a new public realm which enhances existing links across Globe Lane between the Waterfront Gardens and Chatham town centre.

“The facility will incorporate an innovative dynamic control system, directing buses to stands and users to buses. This system links to the real-time bus information for the area as a whole and allows the overall facility to be smaller and more efficient than a traditional bus station. This approach provides a safe, user-focused service and reduces the impact of the facility within the town centre and surrounding landscape.

“The design team, Medway Council and Medway Renaissance have consulted widely with the local community, bus users and operators to develop this design, responding to the aspirations for the regeneration of Chatham town centre with a new landmark facility and are delighted this exciting scheme has achieved approval.”

• Read the report and presentation to the Development Control Committee.
• For more information on Chatham infrastructure improvements visit www.medway.gov.uk/chathamfuture.
• Visit www.medwayrenaissance.com for the latest news on Medway’s 20-year, £6 billion regeneration programme.

The Media Team on 01634 332021 / 332562 / 332017 / 332870 / 338308 or email communications@medway.gov.uk