Countryside and Hyde have begun construction on Phase 3 of Rochester Riverside, their £419million regeneration scheme in Medway.
Phase 3 comprises 171 new homes, made up of 128 one and 2 bedroom apartments and 43 2 to 5 bedroom houses. Also being delivered is a large waterfront park with play area and outdoor gym equipment, a further section of the river walkway (which will total 2.5km when complete), as well as significant public realm and public art around the famous dockside blue crane dating from 1957 that has already been refurbished as part of the project, and is one of the area’s most striking landmarks.
The new homes and amenities will be delivered by a predominately local workforce too. In January 2021 the proportion of local labour working on the site reached 61 per cent, demonstrating Countryside and Hyde’s commitment to sharing the economic benefits of the development across Medway.
Rochester Riverside is the region’s flagship regeneration project, delivered by Countryside and Hyde over 12 years. A new mixed-tenure community of up to 1,400 new homes is being created, along with a new primary school, nursery, hotel, river walkway, commercial units, parking, green open spaces, play areas and landscaping.
The development continues to make swift progress, with Phase 1 completed and Phase 2 well underway. 158 private homes have now been completed and occupied at the development, comprising one- and two-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom houses, while 59 affordable homes have also been handed over to their new residents at this thriving riverside community.
Creating job opportunities for local residents
Cllr Alan Jarrett, Leader of Medway Council, said: “I am pleased that not only is Rochester Riverside providing residents with a great choice of both affordable and luxury homes, but it is also creating job opportunities for local residents. The multi-million housing development is in a fantastic location and has a lot to offer the local community. I am looking forward to seeing work on the next phase progress.”
Working with local people is at the heart of any regeneration process
Andrew Usher, Managing Director, Partnerships South London, Countryside, commented: “At Countryside, working with local people is at the heart of any regeneration process, and so we are proud to be employing over 60 per cent local labour at Rochester Riverside as we begin work on Phase 3. The regeneration scheme is having a hugely positive effect on the Medway landscape, and by employing local workers the project is making a similarly transformative impact on the Medway economy, in addition to reducing congestion and emissions.”
Thriving location
Guy Slocombe, Chief Investment Officer at Hyde, added: “We’re excited to begin work on Phase 3 of Rochester Riverside, which will deliver a varied mix of new homes and public spaces, ideal for both existing Medway residents and those looking to make this thriving location their new home. With construction on the new primary school also expected to start this spring, 2021 is shaping up to be a transformational year for the development.”