A neglected corner of Chatham has been given an artistic overhaul to delight thousands of passersby on the A2. Network Rail joined forces with community group Arches Local and artist Lionel Stanhope to create a unique art mural on the bare walls of local railway landmark the Luton Arches. The mural features another lost local landmark, the Driver Fountain that once stood on the spot, and the HMS Victory warship, which was built nearby at Chatham Dockyard. Arches Local’s Stephen Perez said: “We’ve been working with Network Rail on the arches for the last four or five years and we’ve seen lots of improvements in that time. I think [it] is fantastic, it’s a celebration of the arches, the Driver Fountain and of course the HMS Victory. “I hope that, as with all the work we’ve done with Network Rail, it changes the narrative of the area, and gives people a sense of belonging, a sense of pride, which has sadly been missing here in some ways for a long time. We’re going to enjoy this for years to come.” Arches Local was formed as part of the Big Local initiative, funded by the National Lottery, to improve areas across the UK, including central Chatham, ending in 2026. "It’s great to give this area a boost. It gets things moving and makes things happen." Artist Lionel Stanhope said: “I love the fact we’re so close to the sea here and the blues are lovely and really pop out of the wall, as well as the Victory itself, which was built here. It’s a much bigger, grander structure than the ones I normally work on and you can see this mural from all the way down the road. “Some areas are really deserving of art and brightening up and it’s great to give this area a boost. It gets things moving and makes things happen.” Built in 1858, the Luton Arches help the London to Faversham main line over the steep Luton valley – including trains from the better-known Luton in Bedfordshire - and are seen by thousands of people every day on their way in and out of the town on the A2 road.
The Luton Arches themselves were due a major refurbishment this year, although this has been delayed to the 'near future', potentially in early 2021. As for the Driver Fountain, it was moved from the bottom of Chatham Hill in the 1970s and now sits in Chatham Cemetery, while HMS Victory is in a dry dock in Portsmouth. Photos: Arches Local and Network Rail Fierce objections are being lodged against plans to build a block of flats and offices next to Luton Arches in Chatham. If the plans are approved by Medway Council, property developer Wexham Homes Ltd will build a four-storey block on the land currently occupied by advertising hoardings next to the Luton Arches Dental Clinic. Twelve one-bed flats will sit above the four offices proposed for the ground floorspace, although no parking spaces will be provided. Numerous objections have already been sent off by local residents, with one citing the proposed development is an "additional eyesore in area of neglect". Letters of objection submitted to date particularly raise concern to the lack of parking, the development's uninspiring design and the lack of green space. Another objection highlights the "ridiculous" refuse waste collection procedure, which will require a caretaker to drag a large bin along a busy pavement for over 60 metres, causing safety issues to road users such as pedestrians and motorists. However, this isn't the first time Wexham Homes Ltd has attempted to gain permission to build flats on the site. Planning permission was previously refused by Medway Council in August 2019 for a block of nineteen flats. Wexham Homes Ltd then appealed the Council's decision of refusal to the Planning Inspectorate, although subsequently dismissed by the Inspector for a number of issues, including the harm it may cause to the area's general character and appearance. The plot of land was sold at an auction for £140,000 in May 2017, having been previously owned by global advertising network JCDecaux.
Community development group, Arches Local, had included this location as part of its plans for the regeneration of the Luton Arches junction some years ago. It was recognised as a potential site for the relocation of the historic Driver Fountain and to undergo public realm improvements. You can have your say on the plans by submitting your views on the Medway Planning Portal website. |
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August 2023
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