Medway Council has been allocated close to £4 million by the government to spearhead numerous residential developments across the locality, transforming brownfield lands into desirable residential sites. A substantial allocation of over £1 million will be channelled towards the redevelopment of Strood Waterfront, encompassing the transformation of the distinguished Strood Civic Site into 171 new dwellings. This site, once an industrial hub and later the council’s civic headquarters, has been idle for several years.

Moreover, £730,000 has been set aside to convert part of the erstwhile Debenhams building on Chatham High Street into residential units. This follows the council’s acquisition of the building last year, facilitated by a £2.2 million grant from the government’s Future High Streets Fund, post the department store’s closure in January 2020.

Additionally, a government grant of £940,238 will enable the development of 164 homes at Mountbatten House, Chatham. This allocation will specifically cover concrete repairs, structural works, and essential demolition activities, with the project expected to go out to tender by the end of the year. The landmark, left vacant since 2006 following the departure of pensions and insurance titan Scottish Widows, is poised for a revitalisation.

Medway Council is also dedicating a portion of the funds to the construction of 37 affordable homes. Specifically, £363,137 will be utilised for the demolition and construction of 19 homes at Lennox Wood, Petham Green, Twydall, while £234,996 will facilitate the building of 18 more homes at Aburound House, Woodlands Road, Gillingham. These endeavours underscore the council’s commitment to affordable housing in the region.

Expressing delight over the funding, Medway’s housing and property portfolio holder, Cllr Naushabah Khan, lauded the grant as a substantial step towards unlocking key sites for housing projects. She reiterated the council’s commitment to sustainable development in Medway, and looked forward to the advancement of these critical developments.

The joint efforts between Medway Council and Medway Development Company were instrumental in securing the funding, with further details on the projects to be disclosed soon. This funding is part of a larger £60 million government scheme aimed at supporting nearly 100 regeneration projects across the country, with Medway securing one of the largest shares, totalling £3,968,371.