Chatham Waters
| Project | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Peel Waters (Peel L&P) |
| Operator | |
| Owner | Peel Waters |
| Location | |
 | |
| Coordinates: 51°23′53.6″N 0°33′2.2″E / 51.398222°N 0.550611°E | |
Chatham Waters is a mixed-use regeneration project located at the mouth of the Medway Waterfront Peninsula in Kent, England.[1] Covering an area of 26 acres, the project aims to transform the former docklands into a vibrant waterfront destination, providing a mix of residential, commercial, retail, and leisure facilities.[2]
Development
[edit]The Chatham Waters development is designed as a phased masterplan, with the construction of various residential, commercial, and public spaces.[3] The residential component is planned to include up to 950 homes, ranging from apartments and townhouses to later living accommodations, with buildings ranging from 6 to 17 storeys.[2] As of 2024, 391 homes have been completed, including 237 affordable homes at Cavalier Court (comprising 139 shared ownership and 98 affordable rent).[3] An additional 322 homes are planned for completion within the next five years.
Commercial developments at Chatham Waters are set to include office buildings, a hotel, conference facilities, and retail spaces.[4] When fully completed, the project will offer approximately 1.9 million square feet of commercial floorspace,[5] comparable to Peel L&P's MediaCityUK development in Greater Manchester.[6]
The development also includes significant public spaces, such as a waterfront boulevard lined with bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as a civic square for exhibitions and events. A parkland boulevard will provide green space, and a new public park, under construction since 2024, is expected to be completed by January 2025. The park will feature landscaped lawns, a community garden, a fruit orchard, and play areas. This park will be integrated with the existing waterfront promenade and dock gardens.[1]
Economic and Social Impact
[edit]Chatham Waters has attracted significant investment, totaling over £125 million as of 2024.[7] It is expected to contribute £19 million annually to the local economy. The project has created 750 jobs thus far, with additional employment opportunities anticipated as further phases of development are completed.[8] Notable completed developments include a University Technical College (UTC),[9] an ASDA superstore,[10] a Marston’s restaurant and pub,[11] and a range of public spaces.[12]
A further £350 million is planned to complete the scheme, with additional emphasis placed on mixed-tenure housing and affordable housing, including provisions for local residents.
Location and Connectivity
[edit]Situated along the Medway Estuary, Chatham Waters offers views of the river, and its location provides access to Central London, with a 40-minute commute by rail.[13] The site is integrated with local infrastructure, contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the area.
Planning and Approvals
[edit]The development received outline planning permission from Medway Council, supported by an Environmental Statement addressing concerns regarding heritage, flooding, and traffic impacts. Planning approvals have been granted for various aspects of the development, including 237 affordable homes and the creation of a central park. In addition, proposals for the nearby Chatham Docks Industrial Estate envision 3,600 new homes and a one-million-square-foot employment zone, with public consultations currently ongoing.
Controversies
[edit]The Chatham Waters project has faced some controversy, particularly in 2022, when apartments were marketed to investors in Hong Kong. This led to concerns that foreign investment could drive up property prices and outprice local buyers, potentially undermining the project's objective of providing affordable housing for Medway residents. Critics, including local councillors, raised alarms about the long-term affordability of the development for local people.[14]
Legacy
[edit]Chatham Waters is part of Peel L&P's broader portfolio of waterfront regeneration projects across the UK. The development is named in honor of Andrew Dickson, a former project manager who passed away during the planning stages. To commemorate his contribution, the development features "Andrew’s Allotment," a community garden within the new park. The project aims to set a model for urban regeneration, balancing economic growth with community benefits and environmental sustainability.[1]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c "New park part of multi-million-pound vision". Kent Online. 2024-11-26. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ a b Medway, Future (2024-10-09). "237 affordable homes completed at Chatham Waters development". Future Medway. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ a b Cantrell, Mark (2024-01-23). "Partners mark completion of Chatham Waters scheme". Housing Digital. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ "Chatham Waters plans not called in by Secretary of State". Pinsent Masons. 2025-11-04. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ "Peel brings in Russells at Chatham Waters". www.theconstructionindex.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ "MediaCity UK, Salford - Peel Media: Peel L&P and Legal & General Capital". The Developer. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ "Work begins to build new public park at Chatham Waters | Construction UK Magazine". Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ "£33.5 million apartment scheme at Chatham Waters tops out". Russell WBHO. 2020-09-22. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ "Flagship college expanding". Kent Online. 2018-12-05. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ "Latest plans for riverside scheme revealed". Kent Online. 2021-07-07. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ "New pub set for waterfront". Kent Online. 2017-06-17. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ "Developer hits back at Hong Kong sales critics". Kent Online. 2022-04-20. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ "More affordable route to home ownership at riverside community in Chatham". web.archive.org. 2025-04-13. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
- ^ "Luxury riverside apartments being marketed in Hong Kong". Kent Online. 2022-04-02. Retrieved 2025-04-13.