Chatham’s regeneration continues
Medway Council gave the go ahead to the latest in a line of major improvements to Chatham yesterday.
Cabinet approved the plans which outlined redevelopment opportunities for the High Street and Best Street areas of Chatham, which will be subject to a six-week public consultation in June, allowing residents to view an exhibition of the plans and put their stamp on the future of Medway.
And shoppers in Medway are set to benefit, with more shops, squares and parking facilities aimed at offering a better shopping experience and attracting more high street retailers to the area.
The master plan for the High Street and Best Street areas places Chatham as the focus of major retail developments, with proposals for at least an extra 30,000 square meters of shop space.
Amongst the proposals outlined were plans to transform the area between Best Street and Richard Street and improve connections between an extended Pentagon Centre and the High Street, Chatham.
These include the remodelling of existing retail sites such as Debenhams and the creation of substantial new parking facilities to the rear of Debenhams leading to Best Street.
Medway Council’s Portfolio holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, Cllr Jane Chitty said: “By regenerating this area and focusing on the huge retail potential there is, we can in turn attract businesses and retailers, ultimately creating jobs and boosting our local economy.”
The master plan also outlined proposals to expand both the existing Primark store and the Central Theatre, with the view to provide better backstage facilities and a new café for visitors.
Developments within the site of the current indoor market on the high street will also allow for a selection of high quality boutique shops.
Proposals also suggest the creation of three new squares around the Brook pumping station, Clover Street Church and around the refurbished St John’s Church, offering a selection of restaurants and cafes for shoppers to enjoy.
Also outlined in the plans is a proposal for a hotel development on New Road and the potential to promote the evening economy of the area, attracting more bars, restaurants and music venues.
The blueprint also outlines improvements to street lighting, paving and the need for additional benches throughout the High Street and Best Street area.
Cllr Chittty added: “This masterplan provides an ambitious yet deliverable framework that can help Chatham become a regional centre for Medway.
“We are committed to ensuring everyone in Medway can truly benefit from the area’s regeneration, and as we continue to buck the economic trend, this project highlights the need to be ambitious and invest in or future.”
Cabinet approved the plans which outlined redevelopment opportunities for the High Street and Best Street areas of Chatham, which will be subject to a six-week public consultation in June, allowing residents to view an exhibition of the plans and put their stamp on the future of Medway.
And shoppers in Medway are set to benefit, with more shops, squares and parking facilities aimed at offering a better shopping experience and attracting more high street retailers to the area.
The master plan for the High Street and Best Street areas places Chatham as the focus of major retail developments, with proposals for at least an extra 30,000 square meters of shop space.
Amongst the proposals outlined were plans to transform the area between Best Street and Richard Street and improve connections between an extended Pentagon Centre and the High Street, Chatham.
These include the remodelling of existing retail sites such as Debenhams and the creation of substantial new parking facilities to the rear of Debenhams leading to Best Street.
Medway Council’s Portfolio holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, Cllr Jane Chitty said: “By regenerating this area and focusing on the huge retail potential there is, we can in turn attract businesses and retailers, ultimately creating jobs and boosting our local economy.”
The master plan also outlined proposals to expand both the existing Primark store and the Central Theatre, with the view to provide better backstage facilities and a new café for visitors.
Developments within the site of the current indoor market on the high street will also allow for a selection of high quality boutique shops.
Proposals also suggest the creation of three new squares around the Brook pumping station, Clover Street Church and around the refurbished St John’s Church, offering a selection of restaurants and cafes for shoppers to enjoy.
Also outlined in the plans is a proposal for a hotel development on New Road and the potential to promote the evening economy of the area, attracting more bars, restaurants and music venues.
The blueprint also outlines improvements to street lighting, paving and the need for additional benches throughout the High Street and Best Street area.
Cllr Chittty added: “This masterplan provides an ambitious yet deliverable framework that can help Chatham become a regional centre for Medway.
“We are committed to ensuring everyone in Medway can truly benefit from the area’s regeneration, and as we continue to buck the economic trend, this project highlights the need to be ambitious and invest in or future.”