A developer has put forward plans to redevelop Chatham's former Buzz Bingo into 231 homes. Donard Living is seeking permission from Medway Council to replace the disused bingo hall, on the corner of Union Street and the High Street, with 231 homes. A mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats would be delivered across two buildings, ranging from 6 to 10 storeys in height. The proposals also include two ground floor units facing the High Street, which the developer suggests could be used for commercial or community purposes. Some of the space is earmarked for not-for-profit, youth theatre Spotlites Theatre Company, which has neighboured the site for 26 years. A podium courtyard garden with a play area, 93 undercroft car parking spaces and 231 cycle parking spaces are also part of the plans. Documents from the planning application say the design of the two blocks takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture of the Ritz Cinema, which previously stood on the site, and the Ravelin Building to reflect Chatham's naval history - despite it being found at the Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham. The proposed redevelopment of the bingo hall, which closed in 2020, also includes the adjoining Union Place car park, owned by Medway Council. Donard Living previously said that it planned to buy the 49-space car park and it had therefore been included in its plans. However, just a week after the planning application appeared online, Medway Council confirmed that it no longer intends to sell the car park in a shock U-turn. It remains unclear whether or not Donard Living will proceed with its plans in their current form despite the car park no longer being available for development. Donard Living bought the Buzz Bingo site for an undisclosed sum in December 2021 with its finance partner Zetland Capital.
The Belfast-based developer recently gained planning permission for 221 homes in Bristol, 268 homes in Salford and 374 homes at Bardell Wharf, Rochester, although it hasn't delivered any homes to date. It held a public consultation for its plans for the Chatham site in November last year, before submitting the proposals to Medway Council just over a month later. The plans are due to be decided by Thursday, 6 April this year. You can be view and comment on the plans by clicking here to visit Medway Council's Planning Portal.
Liam Ambrose
16/1/2023 23:11:23
Oww great more hideous flat!!! Just what Chatham needs more of, coz theirs not enuf or enuf being built!!!!! 
Emma
18/1/2023 08:05:49
Interesting they have incorporated art deco design from an old cinema, which I had never heard of. I am pro development and these proposals have more thoughts for the community than many others I've seen. Parking is limited and this will be an issue, I don't drive so wouldn't bother me - especially close to lots of public transport. However, air quality and traffic are big factors for a large development on a very busy junction. Comments are closed.
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