Major plans to redevelop part of Gravesham riverside could see the revival of land once enjoyed by Victorian day-trippers.

Developers are holding exhibitions to gauge reactions to proposals for an area known as Clifton Slipways.

The site incorporates land either side of West Street at the junction with Stuart Road, part of which was once home to Gravesend West Street station.

Pleasure trippers arriving at the station would then cross, via a brick-built viaduct, to the iron pier which enabled passengers to board ferries and boats to destinations downriver or across to Essex.

Part of the pier still stands and landowner Down River Properties, together with KPF Architects, has included its restoration in its proposals.

The redevelopment also includes housing on both the north and south sites, rebuilding the flood wall, improving public access and even providing a place where people can appreciate the views from the top of the wall.

Hundreds of invitations have been sent to residents to attend three exhibitions.

The first two will be held at Towncentric in St George’s Square from 10am to 2pm tomorrow and from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday.

The third will be at St George’s Church Hall in Church Street, from 6pm to 8pm on Monday.

Additional meetings will be held with council officers and councillors.

A record of all comments received will then be submitted by Down River Properties with its planning application to Gravesham council.

A previous application by the same firm was approved in 2009 but had to be put on hold due to the recession.

Planning consultant Michael Osman said if the latest application was successful, work would start next year.

He said: “The idea of the exhibition is to enable people to see what we are proposing.
“It is not an isolated site, and not in the town centre either, but we obviously think it must be of interest.

“We are proposing housing on both sides but want to design it so it all fits together.”

Part of the development on the south side of West Street incorporates land adjacent to Wickes and which was formerly used as a builder’s merchant yard.

The restoration of the pier is an important part of the proposals, as well as improving access by providing a new length of footpath along the north side of West Street and linking the Thames Estuary Path between Baltic Wharf and Russell Quay.

“We also propose to rebuild the flood wall next to West Street in a way which will provide public access to the riverside without any loss of protection from flooding,” added Mr Osman.

“Visitors will be able to safely climb steps to the top of the flood wall to enjoy the river view. It’s about opening up the riverside.”

The news of the Clifton Slipways project came the same day it was announced millions of pounds had been invested in Gravesend as part of a new partnership between Edinburgh House and Fortress Investment Group, a global property investor.

The partnership will focus on the next phase of the Heritage Quarter.

Development manager Richard Hughes said: “We’re extremely pleased to be working with our new partners, their investment in the scheme shows the confidence that the private sector has in Gravesend as an important location in the south east.

“They are a major backer in the project. The project has been a long time in the making and one we have never given up on, and we’re now looking forward to seeing things coming to life in 2016.”

While the organisation is investing in the scheme, the proposed plans for the Heritage Quarter will not change and the day-to-day running of the proposed development and St George’s shopping centre will remain in place under the management of Edinburgh House.