Page 29 - KPRM 2019

Proposal for Innovation Park Medway, runway view.
Medway
Innovation Park Medway
Innovation Park Medway (IPM) was formally launched
on 18th September 2018 in conjunction with public consultation on a new draft masterplan for the redevelopment of Rochester Airport. The masterplan was subsequently adopted by Medway Council in March and Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council in June, subject to Highways England. The IPM will offer circa 100,000m2 (over 1 million ft2) of high quality, innovative commercial space
in a prime location near Junction 3 of the M2. It will attract high value, knowledge-intensive businesses looking to grow and benefit from access to world-class research and development and highly skilled talent through the cluster of Kent and Medway based universities.
The first occupant at IPM – the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance – have developed a brand-new headquarters using a state-of-the art modular build system. Medway
with potential for premium housing, offering fantastic views of Rochester’s Castle and Cathedral and access to the River Medway. All flood defence works for the Civic site, including land raising were completed in June and delivered ahead of schedule. Marketing for the site is planned for September.
Bardell Wharf
Bardell Wharf, a Quinn Estates development, will deliver
121 one-bedroom and 210 two-bedroom apartments, enjoying stunning views of the river and along the rooftops of the historic High Street to Rochester Cathedral. Of the
331 residential units, 223 will have their own private terraces. Thirty-five apartments will support affordable housing needs in Medway.
Located less than 350 metres from Rochester train station, sustainability runs throughout the scheme with a number
of steps taken to reduce reliance on the car as the primary mode of transport for its future residents, including provision of cycle spaces and an innovative car club scheme. There will also be significantly improved public realm and a new pedestrian crossing over Corporation Street. Bardell Wharf, developed in partnership with Classicus Estates, will also deliver over 1,852m2 (20,000ft2) of retail, professional services, food and new leisure space. This new commercial quarter will complement the existing town centre offer, acting as a catalyst for further investment and regeneration.
Council and Tonbridge & Malling District Council have also developed draft Local Development Orders (LDOs) which will offer streamlined planning for businesses that locate to the site. These draft LDOs were taken to consultation in June and, subject to consultation, it is intended that approval to adopt these LDOs will be sought in late 2019. Innovation Park Medway was awarded £4.4m from the Local Growth Fund in 2016 for improvements to airport infrastructure. The second runway will then close releasing valuable commercial development land. A further award of £3.7m has also been made through the Local Growth Fund for access roads and utilities infrastructure on the first phase of the site, with a further allocation for £1.5m to deliver the second phase
Strood Civic Site
Civic site flood defence works were awarded £3.5m investment from the Local Growth Fund. Flood protection will enable redevelopment to transform the area into a prime, high quality residential-led mixed-use development
Proposal for Bardell Wharf, Rochester.
Kent Property Market Report 2019 27
PHOTO: MEDWAY COUNCIL
PHOTO: QUINN ESTATES