On the banks of the River Medway from which it takes its name, Medway is the second largest conurbation (after Brighton) between London and continental Europe. This combined with its comprehensive transport links, makes Medway a gateway to the capital, the county of Kent and the continent.
With its regeneration programme providing a variety of new homes and growth for all, Medway is already one of the South East’s fastest growing areas. Its ambitious vision provides economic and housing opportunities across all five major towns – all of which act as a magnet for a diverse range of businesses, property hunters and investors.
Its comprehensive transport links make Medway a gateway to the capital, the county of Kent and the continent.
Families and commuters are attracted to Medway by the choice of accommodation and facilities in Medway and can live close to schools, railways and town centres, including Rochester’s historic high street. Not only does Medway boast the biggest regeneration zone within the Thames Gateway, but it is surrounded by award-winning green spaces and world-renowned heritage sites.
Medway’s housing landscape is very diverse – from Victorian period properties and cottages to newly-developed modern builds and suburban developments. There is something for everyone from families big and small to couples and individuals wanting to find their perfect home.
Medway has the lowest council tax in Kent and one of the lowest rates in the M25 corridor.
A multi-million pound regeneration programme is currently transforming Medway’s landscape bringing 29,000 new homes, many of them stunning riverfront developments.
Medway is a place in which you can enjoy both living and working. A thriving business location but also within an easily commute to London and yet beautifully green with seven green flags accredited parks. It’s a great place to put down roots and make a life.
More than 80% of our schools have an OFSTED rating of good or better and we are home to four universities.
What the papers say:
The Telegraph – London living without the price tag
Evening Standards – Fast trains and waterfront living
Chatham – heart of the city. Chatham is the geographic centre of Medway and has a population of just under 80,000. It has a busy high street and thriving cultural scene and attracts visitors from outside Medway.
The character of Chatham is enriched by the unique heritage assets of The Historic Dockyard, Fort Amherst and the green backdrop of Great Lines Heritage Park. Chatham’s centre boasts two theatres, one of which has undergone a £500,000 facelift. There is an uninterrupted waterfront walk from Gun Wharf to Sun Pier, with lighting, trees and CCTV.
The city centre benefits from a £4m government funded placemaking scheme, providing major public realm improvements between the train station and waterfront and from £8.5m investment in a new Health and Wellbeing Centre. The Heritage Lottery Fund has invested £2m in initiatives linking Chatham’s outstanding military setting to its waterfront heart. Chatham is the most sustainable of Medway’s towns, with major rail and transport hubs and a significant area of retail floorspace.
An enhanced visitor experience throughout the city centre – with a particular focus between the train station and waterfront – will include the delivery of two new public squares.
A greater diversification of land use in the centre will promote an enhanced range of leisure opportunities to boost the daytime and evening economy. New employment uses and high-quality city living will increase disposable income within and around the high street.
We will continue support for enhanced creative industries presence in and around the town centre, and throughout Medway as a whole
We will explore the potential for a pedestrian bridge connecting Medway City Estate and Chatham centre, bringing further disposable income to the town.
Strood is the best connected of Medway’s towns, with a journey time from London of just 34 minutes, excellent motorway connections, and stunning views of historic Rochester. It is compact and vibrant, with multiple shops, supermarkets and convenience stores, and a thriving retail park and successful market. It benefits from £6m investment in a Health and Wellbeing Centre and a £9m town centre transport and public realm improvement scheme.
Rochester Castle and Cathedral define the town centre, which boasts a strong independent retail sector. Rochester is home to many of Medway’s most successful festivals and events and has a popular, award-winning farmers’ market. Rochester has a thriving tourist economy, and a £26m train station on its doorstep.
Gillingham is the proud home of the Royal School of Military Engineering and more than 1,000 university students, and is an increasingly popular location for families. It is home to Kent’s only league football club and to Kent’s largest hospital, at the heart of the Medway community. This is vital for future healthcare provision for Medway residents and offers multiple training and career opportunities. The superlative Great Lines Heritage Park is on its doorstep.
Rainham has a compact and popular retail area serving local needs. Where new development comes forward, we will seek to integrate with existing communities, through upgrading public realm, walking and cycling routes, and linking the town with local neighbourhoods, countryside and coast.
The Hoo Peninsula is a rural area comprising a network of villages, strategic employment and infrastructure sites (including energy production and facilities for the importation of energy, fuel and minerals), and a productive agricultural economy, set within a landscape of estuarine marshland, wooded ridges, and farmland. Much of the area is designated of national or international importance for its environmental value. The Hoo Peninsula has a distinctively different character to urban Medway.
