Work to redevelop an empty department store in Chatham High Street could cost just over £17.8 million, a council report has revealed. Plans are moving forward to revamp the former Debenhams building, which closed in 2020, into a mixed use development with ground floor commercial space and flats on the upper floors. Medway Council recently bought the site for more than £2 million using a grant from the government’s Future High Streets Fund, as part of its bid to regenerate the high street and increase town centre footfall. The redevelopment of the town centre site is estimated to cost £17,878,916, which will be funded from short-term borrowing and repaid through the sale of the homes.
At a cabinet meeting next Tuesday (5 July), councillors are set to recommend Full Council to approve the addition to its capital programme to fund the project. The authority's development arm, Medway Development Company, is expected to help review options for the future of the building. The council says it aims to provide a location that drives growth, improves visitor experience and ensures future sustainability while supporting residents’ needs. Although specific details of the options remain unknown, the repurposing of the ground floor commercial space will be completed by March 2024.
Steve Byers
28/6/2022 12:26:03
So the intention is residential upper floors and retail below?
Lord Duncan
7/7/2022 02:44:17
Lets be realistic, the High St has been on an ever decreasing spiral downwards into slum land as we see it. Times have changed and shoppers no longer want the hassle of car access only to be confronted by druggies and beggars lining the empty shop fronts. The whole area needs to be redeveloped as its no longer fit for purpose Comments are closed.
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