Creative landscape architecture studio MeiLoci have revealed final artist impressions for the Command of the Heights project to the public. Impressive illustrations of the vision for the regeneration project at the historic Fort Amherst in Chatham were presented via the company's social media outlets in June. Medway Council in partnership with Fort Amherst Heritage Trust secured funding in early July from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) towards an archaeological exploration and heritage regeneration project. The aim of the project is to help the area reconnect with its military roots and discover secrets from the past. The £214,000 grant has been used to develop the plans for the project, and the Council are currently working to assemble the Stage 2 bid together -- which includes the Activity Plan, Business Plan, costs and project delivery timelines. This will be done in order to submit the plans to HLF in November, for consideration at their March board. The outcome will be announced in mid-March 2017. The major project will include the careful demolition of Riverside One, which sits within the walls of the historically important Barrier Ditch. The ditch was constructed during the Seven Years War (1754-1763) and it ran from where Riverside One currently stands and across into Fort Amherst. Command of the Heights will also deliver the creation of a contemporary new entrance to Fort Amherst from Chatham town centre, with play equipment for children to be installed at the Riverside Gardens. In addition, the Spur Battery will be restored transforming it into an attractive amphitheatre with seating to allow for outdoor performances, and open up even more public green space at Great Lines Heritage Park. Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East, said: “We’re delighted to support this ambitious project which will create both a physical and learning gateway into a fascinating part of Chatham’s rich history.
As well as restoring the remnants of the past, the involvement of the local community will ensure these stories are not forgotten. We look forward to seeing the plans develop.” The actual delivery of the project is expected to commence in late summer 2017 following the procurement of contractors, with completion anticipated for late 2018. Over the past year, Medway Council have been regenerating the waterfront quarter of the town centre with the help of government funding in hope to make the area safer, more attractive and easier to access. The first phase of the regeneration project encompassed the river walk section stretching from Gun Wharf to the Waterfront Pumping Station. The works included improvements to areas of the surfacing, restoration of the benches and bins, and the installation of new LED lighting on the existing lamp columns. The second phase focussed on the remaining section of the river walk, from the Pumping Station to the Empire Reach residential development. The aim of this phase was to encourage positive use and interaction between the town centre and the River Medway. The works included resurfacing with new high-quality paving, new lighting and new guard rail. In addition, the existing CCTV coverage has been augmented to also cover the extended river walk by the Empire Reach housing development. Linking with the second phase of the regeneration project, the pedestrianised area adjacent to Pier Chambers leading to Sun Pier has also been transformed into an attractive gateway. The broken slabs have been replaced with new high-quality granite paving, and a small section of traditional cobble stones. A granite slab panel with 'SUN PIER' engraved into it has also been installed as a placemaking element and to create an attractive gateway feature. New street furniture has also been installed including benches, bins and removable bollards. Safety has also been improved in the area, with new LED lighting columns and CCTV units installed. As part of public realm improvements in the waterfront area, contractors improved the unsatisfactory pavement on Medway Street. The works included the removal of the redundant parking bays of the now-demolished shops, and new high-quality materials have been used on the new pavement. These improvements provide a clear and continuous line between Sun Pier and the bus station, as well as complementing future development in this area and improving the link to the waterfront. The third and final phase of the regeneration project focussed on the restoration of the historic Sun Pier. The refurbishment of Sun Pier was externally funded through the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) and the Local Growth Fund (LGF) — a funding stream that is specifically for infrastructure and public realm. The Sun Pier project had a budget of circa £160,000 and included the partial replacement of the decking where needed, stripping and repainting of the surface metalwork, replacement of the wooden handrail, new benches and a new lighting scheme to match the works on Pier Chambers and the wider river walk. The Pier and the new pontoon are a key part of attracting positive use and interaction with the river, creating a safer and more engaging destination. The improvements carried out over the past year have already changed how the area is used and significantly reduced the number of drinkers and anti-social behaviour. The refurbishment of the Pier combined with the gateway feature on the junction of Pier Chambers and Medway Street will draw down even more residents and visitors to one of Chatham town centre’s greatest assets; the River Medway.
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