Published: Friday, 27th May 2022

The Leader’s latest message is on all things housing, including hosting Ukrainians and a riverside walkway on a new development in Rochester.

Dear residents,

It’s not long now until the extended bank holiday weekend and I’ll be sending a special Platinum Jubilee themed message before the celebrations commence. However, I’d like to use this week to focus on all things housing.

Firstly, I am overwhelmed by the sheer number of residents who have expressed an interest to open up their homes to Ukrainians fleeing the war. Nearly 700 Medway residents have expressed an interest to become a sponsor, with 97 already matched to Ukraine families and 79 known Ukrainian guests living in Medway.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers and charities in Medway which are working hard to support our guests, through signposting to services which can help them and distributing items donated by residents. The Salvation Army is just one charity of note which is supporting our work and helping to support Ukrainians.

Council teams are working hard to find suitable homes for Ukraine families, as well as provide and develop much needed new homes for Medway residents. Medway has a challenging target set by central government to deliver 28,300 new homes by 2037. We are working hard to deliver new homes as required by central government, but also putting the plans in place to provide the necessary infrastructure that’s needed to support residents living across Medway.

One example of this is at Rochester Riverside - Medway’s flagship housing development, which continues to move at great pace providing much needed new homes. Rochester Riverside will deliver up to 1,400 new homes and will also provide a primary school and large waterfront park, supporting Medway’s ambition of becoming a child-friendly city. It is a fantastic site, with many residents having already moved in and enjoying being just a short walk from the station and historic high street, as well as making the most of the shop and coffee shop on site.

The next phase of the development has now received planning permission, which will provide a further 154 new homes, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses, providing a great choice for people looking to either join the housing ladder or move to this popular development. This part of the development will also extend the 2.5km riverside walkway.

It is no surprise that people are choosing to move to Medway, also attracted by the area’s excellent transport links, as well as attractions and activities for all ages to enjoy on their doorstep. Medway is also a popular tourism destination, with more than five million visitors each year enjoying spending time at the area’s castles, cathedral, dockyard and other attractions such as the longest toboggan run in the country.

Unfortunately, despite all Medway has to offer, the area was unsuccessful in its bid to be titled a city. This is, of course, disappointing news. However, we mustn’t forget all Medway and its people have achieved over recent years, as well as everything the area has to offer. We remain committed to providing a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come and strongly believe that Medway is a city in all but name.

Cllr Alan Jarrett

Leader of Medway Council

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