Published: Thursday, 13th February 2020

Work has begun on new city centre apartments in the heart of Medway.

Chatham Waterfront housing development will provide 175 apartments. The new apartments will give residents the opportunity to enjoy waterfront living, with some offering views across the River Medway and of Rochester’s castle and cathedral.

The one and two-bedroom apartments are being delivered by Medway Council’s own housing company, Medway Development Company (MDC), and the first block of apartments are anticipated to be completed in 2022.

The new development is also set to provide commercial space, such as restaurants and cafes, on the ground floor to offer visitors to the area more choice.

Fantastic location for residents and commuters 

Speaking about the location of this new development, Cllr Alan Jarrett, Leader of Medway Council, said: “The new homes at Chatham Waterfront will be surrounded by excellent public transport links providing a fantastic location for residents and commuters. The development is a stone’s throw away from the modern waterfront bus station and is also within easy walking distance from Chatham railway station, which is on the high-speed line into London. There will be also be some parking for residents, including electric charging points, as well as bicycle storage facilities.”

Chatham has seen huge improvements over the years following investment in the town centre, and the council is committed to continuing to help the historic maritime town thrive.

This development supports the council’s ongoing work to regenerate and revitalise Chatham. The new homes provide another opportunity for residents to enjoy waterfront living and be close to the high street, with shops, two theatres and pubs on the doorstep.

In the heart of Medway

Cllr Alan Jarrett added: “Chatham Waterfront is in the heart of Medway and supports our ambition of Chatham becoming Medway’s leading waterfront university city centre by 2035. This development, which is being delivered by our own housing company, also supports our work to bring people back into our town centres. Chatham has seen vast improvements over the years, helping the historic town to thrive, and we are committed to providing people with more things to do across Medway to build a sustainable future.”

Chatham Waterfront is also walking distance from The Historic Dockyard Chatham and Fort Amherst, including its newly opened amphitheatre and its ongoing heritage project Command of the Heights which has uncovered the barrier ditch and reconnected Chatham with its military roots.

Chatham is undergoing a major regeneration programme to provide Medway residents with more choice and opportunities. Medway Council secured £4million from the Government’s Local Growth Fund, through the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, to help regenerate Chatham. The funding has been used to renovate The Brook Theatre, contribute to the Command of the Heights heritage project, contribute to the renovations of Chatham railway station’s forecourt and the Chatham Placemaking project to create an easier journey for pedestrians and cyclists from the railway station to the waterfront bus station and town centre.

Last year the council took over the lease of the Pentagon Shopping Centre. The acquisition is anticipated to provide an opportunity for the council to generate an annual income to support council finances and services for local residents. This also gives the council an opportunity to create a blueprint for Chatham.

In addition, the council is bidding for Future High Street funding to rejuvenate Chatham High Street, and is also continuing to bid for Heritage Lottery Funding for the area of ‘Chatham Intra’ to focus on connectivity of the Chatham High Street area and some of the heritage assets along there.

Wonderful opportunity for residents looking for a new home

Cllr Howard Doe, Chair of Medway Development Company, said: “Chatham Waterfront is a wonderful opportunity for residents looking for a new home. This is an exciting development in a town which has recently seen much investment.

“Medway Development Company is helping the council meet its challenging target of delivering much needed new homes, including affordable homes. In addition to the site at Chatham Waterfront, we are also working on plans to develop sites in Whiffens Avenue and White Road in Chatham, as well as at Britton Farm in Gillingham.”

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