Medway Council has acquired an empty office block in Chatham as part of its plans to further regenerate the town centre.
Earlier this year Medway Development Company, the council’s own housing company, received planning permission to transform Mountbatten House, and adjoining land, in the centre of Chatham, into 164 high-quality one- and two-bedroom homes, with commercial units at the ground floor level.
Permission was also granted to enhance the entrance to the Pentagon Shopping Centre in Military Road, as part of the plans.
Mountbatten House, which Medway Council has acquired for £1,975,000, has some of the best views across the River Medway towards Rochester Castle and Cathedral, across the Great Lines Heritage Park and towards Fort Amherst. To make the most of these spectacular views a rooftop restaurant will be created alongside a separate communal garden space for new residents.
The former bus station will be converted into parking for the new homes and the station ramps opposite the Brook Theatre, were demolished earlier this year to as part of works to create a new public square and improved taxi rank.
The exciting plans have been developed by Lyall Bills & Young Architects with CF Moller and preparatory works, including detailed designs and surveys will now take place.
Cllr Adrian Gulvin, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Resources and Director of Medway Development Company (MDC), said: “We have an ambitious vision for Medway and this exciting project will further transform Medway’s city centre. We are committed to continuing to transform Chatham into a vibrant place to live, work, eat and shop. The investment in Mountbatten House continues to demonstrate that we are also committed to shaping the future of our town centres to boost the local economy and provide more opportunities for residents and businesses. I am looking forward to watching the works progress.”
MDC is also continuing to make great progress on innovative housing schemes across Medway. The company is currently building 182 one and two-bedroom apartments at Chatham Waterfront as well as delivering the Garrison Point development on the former Whiffens Avenue car park, which will create 115 homes.
MDC has also built 20 affordable homes behind White Road Community Centre in Chatham and work is underway to build 44 homes on the loading bay of the former Britton Farm Mall. Medway Council is also creating an innovative adult learning and skills hub on the vacant top floor of the former shopping centre in Gillingham, alongside works to transform the shopping mall area.
Header image is a CGI showing what Mountbatten House could like when complete.
