Thames Gateway Kent
This is one of the largest and most exciting regeneration opportunities in Europe, covering some 22 square miles focused on the urban areas of Dartford, Gravesham, Medway & Swale. The area runs from the east of the M25, bounded to the north by the River Thames and to the south by the A2 and the North Downs.
The area has tremendous potential and is an excellent location for transport routes, near major UK and European markets. The area is set to become an international commercial centre, with a major new business district being developed at Ebbsfleet Valley around the new international rail station.
Ebbsfleet Valley, which is situated immediately adjacent to Bluewater shopping Centre, comprises a site of over 1,000 acres, where 10,000 new homes and 20,000 new jobs will be created, comprising over 17 million square foot of residential, employment, retail and leisure facilities.
Ebbsfleet International rail station opened to Eurostar traffic in 2007 and, since 2009, a high speed domestic service places central London within just 17 minutes.
Other major developments in Thames Gateway Kent include:
- The Bridge, Dartford - a 2664 acre development, adjacent to the QEII bridge, including 1,500 new homes, 1.5 million square feet of business space, a Science Park and The Nucleus Innovation Centre;
- Swanscombe Peninsula West - a new "urban village" with 1,750 homes and business space on the River Thames, on the site of the former Swanscombe cement works;
- Dartford, Northfleet & Gravesend - town centre regeneration;
- Rochester Riverside - a development of 2,000 homes and office space on the River Medway;
- Chatham - new waterfront development;
- Swale - 7,600 new homes and 12,000 new jobs in the Sittingbourne and Isle of Sheppey area, plus infrastructure improvements, such as the new Sheppey Crossing bridge which opened in 2006.