Cozenton Park and nursery improvements
Cozenton Park is a large public open space in Rainham.
The park is a short distance from the A2 and has various public transport links nearby.
The site has a newly built leisure centre (Cozenton Park Leisure Centre) next to it that opened in Summer 2024.
Facilities in the open space include:
- play area
- football pitches
- skatepark.
Consultation
We have received developer contributions (known as Section 106) from the local area, along with external funding for the old nursery site. This funding will be used to improve Cozenton Park and the nursery.
We've consulted on views on Cozenton Park and the nursery. The consultation has now closed.
The improvements suggested include:
- changing the old nursery site into a community tree nursery and garden, along with allotments
- improving the skatepark
- improving the play area
- improving some of the entrances
- new outdoor gym and fitness equipment.
Find out more about the community tree nursery and garden.
To view the proposals, download the Cozenton Park proposal.
What happens next
We reviewed feedback submitted as part of the consultation. We then submitted a planning application for the nursery site in autumn 2024. The proposal is for a new community tree nursery, community garden and allotment plots.
Planning permission was granted in January 2025. Clearance of the nursery site was completed in March 2025 to avoid bird nesting season.
Other work which is taking place includes:
- installing guttering and tanks to the buildings to harvest rainwater
- repairing and recovering the polytunnels
- new accessible raised planting beds
- storage containers
- planting a new native hedge around the park boundary of the nursery site with volunteers
- setting up the Friends of Cozenton Park Community Tree Nursery
- volunteers growing trees from seed at home which will be brought to grown on at the nursery later this year.
We're currently working with the utility companies for the services to the site.
This will take a while so please bear with us. Further updates will be posted on this page.
Residents who gave their email address on the return survey will be kept up-to-date about the project as we move forward.
For more information, please contact the Greenspace Development team at yournew@medway.gov.uk.
Community tree nursery and garden
The proposal for the old nursery site is to demolish the old glasshouses as they are beyond repair and create:
- a small community tree nursery
- a community garden
- allotment plots.
The community nursery and garden will give local people the opportunity to meet up and learn new skills. They will also provide an outdoor education space.
About a community tree nursery
A community tree nursery is when people come together to gather local tree seeds, plant them and care for them until they become young trees.
When the young trees are ready, the same people may also plant them or they may instead pass them on to others in their community to plant. The newly grown trees can be used to create woodlands, hedgerows, orchards, or single trees.
About a community garden
A community garden is a space that brings people together. It can improve health and fitness, and provide educational value. Sometimes called growing spaces, these sites are where the focus can be on growing food and nutrition.
