Chatham Waterfront

For the bus station at Chatham Waterfront, see Chatham Waterfront bus station.

Chatham Waterfront Chatham Waterfront
Regenerated area
Chatham Waterfront Location within the United Kingdom
• London	29 mi (47 km) WNW
• Charing Cross	29 mi (47 km) WNW
Unitary authority	Medway
Ceremonial county	Kent
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	CHATHAM
Postcode district	ME

Chatham Waterfront is a regenerated area situated along the River Medway in Chatham, Kent, England. The site has significant historical connections to Chatham Dockyard and the British maritime industry, having undergone extensive redevelopment in recent decades. This regeneration has prioritized improvements to transport infrastructure, creation of residential developments, establishment of commercial spaces, and enhancement of public amenities.

History

Naval and military heritage

The waterfront area has maintained a long-standing association with Chatham Dockyard, an institution that served a vital function in Britain's naval history. The area's development was intrinsically linked to military infrastructure, with New Gun Wharf playing a significant role in naval operations. The fourth edition Ordnance Survey map (1929–1952) documents numerous storehouses, workshops, and riverside cranes, with a tramway system transporting goods northward to the dockyard for distribution to local fortifications.

The New Gun Wharf site maintained its military function until 1955, when ownership was transferred—including the foreshore—to Chatham Council. However, the Army continued to occupy portions of the site until 1961, during which period it was utilized by the Atomic Energy Research Establishment.

Post-military transition

Following the dockyard's closure in the 1980s, the waterfront region experienced a period of economic and physical decline. Public access to the riverfront commenced after 1955, as evidenced by contemporary postcards, though many original structures remained in place. By 1963, the northern section had been transformed into public green space, featuring mature trees, grassland, seating, and shelters. However, the southern portion remained occupied by buildings and parking facilities until at least 1973.

During the 1970s, renovation work was conducted on the river wall, and the Rats Bay Pumping Station was installed, replacing a 19th-century pumping facility previously located off Solomons Road. Sewer infrastructure was constructed to manage drainage from former marshland and the Old Bourne River, which historically flowed from Luton and Chatham into the River Medway.

By 1983, buildings surrounding the pumping station had been removed, creating an open grassed area with limited parking facilities.

Lost buildings

Main article: King's Arms, Chatham

King's Arms

The King’s Arms pub, Medway Street, Chatham, Kent

The King’s Arms was a public house located on Medway Street. It served the local community for many years before being demolished in December 2002. The site now forms part of a new apartment development along Medway Street as one of several modern residential complexes built during the regeneration of Chatham Waterfront.

Modern regeneration

During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, comprehensive regeneration initiatives were implemented with the objective of modernizing the area and repurposing former industrial and underutilized sites for residential, commercial, and public use. The designation "Chatham Waterfront" was established in the late 20th to early 21st century by local governing bodies, including former borough councils and Medway Council, to designate the regeneration zone along the River Medway.

Buildings and structures

The White House in Chatham

The White House

Constructed in 1816 on New Gun Wharf, The White House possesses considerable historical significance due to its connections with the area's military heritage.[15] The structure is composed of brick with a distinctive white-painted exterior, featuring a slate roof and sash windows. Historical evidence suggests possible later extensions that maintained the original architectural style. Despite its historical importance, the building does not hold listed status for preservation.

In its original capacity, The White House served as the official residence for the deputy storekeeper, who was responsible for managing the storage and distribution of naval supplies at New Gun Wharf. This position involved oversight of nearby ordnance facilities, including the former ordnance store that now houses the Chatham Library & Community Hub. This ordnance store, which holds Grade II listed status with Historic England was constructed in 1805 and initially functioned as both an ordnance repository and carpenter's workshop. The facility stored munitions, gunpowder, and various military supplies essential for Royal Navy operations. The deputy storekeeper ensured proper storage and distribution of these materials, with The White House's proximity to the ordnance store facilitating efficient logistical management.

During the 20th century, The White House underwent adaptive reuse, first serving as office space and residential accommodation for military personnel. It was subsequently converted into a medical centre before undergoing renovation. The building currently functions as a service facility for Chatham Waterfront Bus Station, housing administrative offices and amenities for Arriva staff.

In 2013, a planning application was submitted for a partial change of use of the canteen facilities within the White House building at Chatham Bus Station. The proposal aimed to allow the sale of cold snacks and hot and cold drinks to the general public via an existing side window facing the bus station platform. The application (ref: MC/13/2468) was received on 2 October 2013 and validated on 7 November 2013. However, it was later withdrawn by the applicant, with the decision formally issued on 2 December 2013.

Mountbatten House

Mountbatten House, Chatham

Mountbatten House, built in April 1975, originally known as "Pentagon House", is a prominent 12-storey former banking headquarters, which represents a significant historical structure within the waterfront area. The building is characterized by its slotted precast concrete construction above a crenelated brick plinth, representing mid-20th century brutalism architectural styles in the region.

Regeneration strategy and masterplan

Masterplan

The regeneration of Chatham Waterfront operates within a comprehensive framework established by the Chatham Waterfront masterplan, which originated in the 1990s. This strategic document outlined a vision to transform the waterfront into a dynamic, mixed-use district integrating residential, commercial, and leisure facilities. The ongoing redevelopment represents a central component of the broader Chatham Placemaking Project, which aims to enhance the town centre environment and coordinate the waterfront with other regeneration initiatives throughout the Medway area.

Governance and implementation

The Chatham Waterfront regeneration constitutes a comprehensive urban development project administered by Medway Development Company, an organization established by Medway Council. This initiative aims to transform the waterfront district through the integration of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Key development projects

Transportation infrastructure: Chatham Waterfront Bus Station

Chatham Waterfront Bus Station

The Chatham Waterfront Bus Station commenced operations in October 2011, replacing the Pentagon Bus Station that had served the area since the 1970s. Developed as an integral component of the town's regeneration program, the bus station functions as a critical transport hub for Chatham and the broader Medway region. The facility comprises 19 stands distributed across four platforms and accommodates both local and regional services operated by Arriva Southern Counties and Nu-Venture.

Residential developments

Pioneer Wharf at Chatham Waterfront

As part of the regeneration program, multiple apartment buildings have been constructed along the River Medway, introducing contemporary housing options to Chatham's town centre. These developments are designed to contribute to the area's revitalization by expanding housing capacity and supporting local economic growth.

The area immediately south of the bus station along Medway Street was designated for redevelopment, resulting in the construction of modern apartment complexes—including Pioneer Wharf, Orion Wharf, Ardent Wharf, Conway Wharf, and Sterlet Wharf.

Mountbatten House redevelopment

The redevelopment of Mountbatten House is being converted into contemporary residential units. The development plan incorporates a new extension and public-facing amenities, including cafés, restaurants, and outdoor seating areas. This project aims to deliver high-quality residential spaces while preserving visual connections with proximate historical sites, including an 18th-century fortification and Chatham's historic theatre.

Public spaces and amenities

The Paddock at Chatham Waterfront

The Paddock

The renovation of The Paddock, a central green space in Chatham, has undergone substantial transformation as part of the town's broader regeneration strategy, particularly in relation to the Chatham Waterfront project. In August 2024, the redesigned park was officially opened following a £2.8 million investment from the government's Future High Streets Fund.

The project also encompasses improvements to infrastructure and community amenities, aligning with the strategic objective of enhancing the area's appeal for residents and businesses.