Plans for a vibrant new riverside development in Gravesend revealed

Published on 16 September 2020

JTP and Joseph Homes have revealed an ambitious regeneration plan for up to 1,300 new homes, bars and restaurants in a new riverside community along the River Thames.

Transforming a former industrial area of Gravesend, close to the canal basin and the Embankment Marina, the project, known as Albion Waterside, will reflect the maritime and industrial nature of the site. At the same time, the plans will embed the new neighbourhood in its local context, re-establishing old links and connections and creating new ones, whilst also marking this important location on the River Thames.

Plans will be shaped over the coming months after the vision for the development was unveiled during a virtual meeting in early September. The initial vision presented a collection of buildings on the site including a ‘landmark’ building. This will be located within the area of the site known as ‘The Heart’ which will act as the main hub of activity on the marina accessed by the pathways from Gravesend town centre and the riverside.

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We're proposing up to 1,300 homes and 4,500 sqm of employment floor space that will unlock approximately 400 jobs and sustainable transport infrastructure with significant improvements to the existing east-west cycle routes and footpaths. By safeguarding the canal alignment, which was previously filled in, the plans will allow the canal to be used by the public as an amenity function.

Craig Carson, Development Director at Joseph Homes

Employment spaces will occupy the buildings at ground level, surrounding the new plaza with homes above. Along the riverside, buildings fronting onto the Thames will benefit from podium gardens elevated above the promenade looking out across the water. The plan also introduces a new linear park tracing the historic route of the Thames and Medway Canal containing three separate, linear bodies of water.

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This site offers huge potential to transform a neglected and inaccessible industrial backwater, by utilising the site’s assets of the River Thames frontage, the Embankment Marina, the historic route of Albion Parade and Gordon Promenade, and the former alignment of the Thames and Medway canal. From a regeneration perspective the maritime history linked to the site gives us something really strong to work with.

Charles Campion, Partner at JTP

Early discussions about the plans have been held with local stakeholders and the community. Comments and feedback for the area have been fed into the work in progress. A second consultation phase has opened with public comments welcomed until 28 September 2020. The designs will then be further developed and presented to the community for further comment in October.

Final plans are due to be submitted to Gravesham Borough Council in early 2021. To view the latest plans and submit your comments, please visit albionwaterside.co.uk.

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Albion Waterside Regeneration, Gravesend

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Stage: Community Planning