Building for the future in Strood

Cllr Stephen Hubbard (pictured) and local ward organisers are leading the way on improving Strood for local residents and business. The Labour Government is investing billions of pounds to regenerate local communities across North Kent, and Labour councillors are working with the Labour government to deliver for Strood residents.

Consultation

In July 2006 the council consulted on the Strood Riverside development brief, which it adopted in September 2006. This document provided principle guidance to council’s preferred investment partner - the development company St Modwen. When formally appointed, the chosen developer will draw up their own plans for the site, abiding by the brief, and submit a planning application. At this time there will be an opportunity for residents to make comment on the proposals.

The application documents and brief specification can be viewed by clicking the following link: Strood Planning Brief

Regeneration in action

The priorities for the site are to provide between 500 and 600 new homes coupled with a recreational waterfront, with new public spaces and leisure facilities. In addition, local Labour councillors have pushed for improved access to Strood station, the town centre and the Medway City Estate.

The project is being taken forward by the council’s Medway Renaissance team in partnership with the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) with funding from the Communities and Local Government (CLG).

Following the adoption of a development brief for the site, the project team has been investigating flood defences for the site and in July 2007, a planning application was submitted for a new river wall stretching from Watermill Gardens to the Riverside Tavern. Once a developer is appointed, an application for a further stretch of river wall extending from the Riverside Tavern to the top of Strood Dock Terminal will be submitted. It is hoped to appoint a developer during 2008.

Canal Street and the station area in Strood have been of concern for sometime, with roads mired with pot holes and empty buildings with graffiti. The area is known for problems with antisocial behaviour. Labour organisers have been working closely to push for appropriate regeneration in Strood Riverside and are working with residents to ensure concerns of antisocial behaviour are raised in local & central government.

Labour is also working closely with local train operators to improve stations and maintain commuter services across Medway. Rochester and Strood have become some of the most vandalised in the country, and its clear that the council needs to work with local train operators to improve station presentation.