Chatham Docks Development

Plans for a £650million development at Chatham Docks have passed another hurdle after being given the green light by the Secretary of State.

The proposals for Chatham Waters will see a 26 acre brownfield site at Pier Road in Gillingham transformed with nearly 1,000 new houses and flats, a hotel and student accomodation.

Shops, offices and conference centre will also be built as part of the project, and a civic square lined by large sweeping parkland boulevards will also be created.

The developers The Peel Group say it will create 3,500 jobs.

Medway Council will now work with the developers on more details plans and finalising legal agreements.

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Rodney Chambers, said: "This is a major step forward for the regeneration of Medway and is a clear indication of how the area is growing and continuing to attract significant investment from developers and businesses.

"Not only will it create thousands of jobs for residents in the near future, but it will provide opportunities for future growth and unrivalled facilities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy and benefit from."

 James Whittaker, Development Director at Peel said: "We're delighted the Secretary of State has approved outline plans for Chatham Waters. The plan will regenerate and breathe new life into a significant area of the dockland and give the region a real economic boost. We will now continue preparing detailed plans for the first phase and we hope to be start building on the site next year."