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Chatham Docks business campus plans could create ‘hundreds’ of jobs

05:00, 20 November 2023

updated: 12:56, 20 November 2023

A developer behind new plans to regenerate a dockside industrial estate which could create hundreds of jobs is asking for people's thoughts on them.

Businesses and residents are being consulted on proposals for an “employment and enterprise zone” at Chatham Docks.

Sketches of the new Basin3 development at Chatham Docks Industrial Estate. Picture: Peel Waters
Sketches of the new Basin3 development at Chatham Docks Industrial Estate. Picture: Peel Waters

Peel Waters, part of Peel L&P, presented an early masterplan for the land in December 2021 and a public exhibition of its initial designs was held in June last year.

The developer has now unveiled its project for a business campus called Basin3.

It wants to transform the existing brownfield land into 31,000m² of adaptable workspace – with the opportunity to create hundreds of jobs and apprenticeships.

The developer is describing it as a “dynamic, high-quality destination that integrates with existing communities whilst attracting new employers and business to the area”.

Employment spaces would be built for businesses already established in the town, helping local economic growth.

It would open up part of the Medway waterfront to the public. Picture: Peel Waters
It would open up part of the Medway waterfront to the public. Picture: Peel Waters

It will also “actively promote job creation by catering to businesses aligned with the council’s target growth sectors”.

These include creative, manufacturing and technology, life sciences, IT and digital, as well as dedicated spaces for start-ups and smaller independents.

For the first time in history, the redevelopment would open up part of the Medway waterfront and have accessible routes for walking and cycling.

Residents and businesses are being encouraged to have their say on the plans at a consultation event tomorrow.

It will be held on the ground floor of The Kell Waterside Apartments, opposite the Waterfront UTC, between 2pm and 8pm.

Chatham Docks are subject to plans for redevelopment by Peel L&P. Picture: Phil Drew
Chatham Docks are subject to plans for redevelopment by Peel L&P. Picture: Phil Drew

Peel Waters’ executive director James Whittaker said: “Last year we took our early vision for the industrial estate to the community and quickly learnt that employment opportunities were the key priority for people.

“There is a desire to encourage talent to stay and grow locally, we have listened and shaped plans that meet this need and want to understand what you think about them.

“For more than a decade, our commitment to regenerating Chatham Waters has been a transformative journey.

“With an investment exceeding £125 million, we’ve not only cultivated 750 job opportunities, but also delivered 391 new homes and landmark developments such as the Asda Superstore, Waterfront UTC, and the Mast and Rigging Pub.

“Yet, this is just the beginning, and our vision promises an even more exciting chapter in the evolving narrative of the brownfield land.”

For those unable to attend in person, Peel Waters will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, November 23, between 6pm and 7pm.

Email Basin3@havingyoursay.co.uk to register your attendance.

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