£1.4m Chatham station redevelopment to begin

A major redevelopment of Chatham railway station is due to begin.

The upgrades include a complete remodelling and makeover of the station forecourt and roads around the station, resurfacing of pavements and walkways, new taxi and drop-off bays and new public art.

The improvement works, which form part of Medway Council’s Chatham placemaking initiative, will enhance connectivity between the town’s key transport and commercial centres and also improve passenger experience through investments in public spaces around the station.

Cllr Rodney Chambers, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for strategic regeneration, said: ‘This project will make it easier for residents and visitors to access the station and will continue to improve the links between the station and Chatham town centre.

‘These works will enhance the Chatham placemaking project to create an easier journey for pedestrians and cyclists from the railway station to the waterfront bus station and town centre.

‘There has been huge investment in Chatham which is attracting more businesses and shops to the High Street.’

Medway Council successfully secured £700,000 from the government’s Local Growth Fund through the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) to contribute towards the £1.4m upgrade, with Network Rail match-funding the windfall through its National Station Improvement Programme.

The wider £4m Chatham placemaking initiative, now nearing its completion, has seen regeneration projects at New Cut Junction, St John’s Square, Military Square and Military Road.

John Halsall, managing director of Network Rail south-east, added: ‘With passenger numbers on the railway continuing to grow, it’s vital we continue to invest in improvements which make travelling by train simpler and more pleasant.

‘We’re proud to be working with Medway Council and Southeastern on this fantastic project which will improve the station area, boost links with local public transport and help support economic growth in Chatham and the Medway towns.’

The station improvements are set to begin next week with work due to finish in the spring next year. The railway station will remain open throughout the work and train services will be unaffected.