Above and below: Computer generated designs of how the new Heritage Quarter in Gravesend will look

by Thom Morris

A £120 million scheme for Gravesend’s Heritage Quarter has been unveiled by developers.

Designs are set to go before council planners within the next few weeks and developers hope that work will begin sometime next year.

Car parks in Bath Street, West Street and by the market will be moved underground while above there will be new shops, 330 new homes, offices and community space.

The original proposals were turned down by Gravesham council in 2010.

More than 18 months later, developers Edinburgh House, owners of St George’s Shopping Centre, have been working on the new ideas.

These have finally gone on show.

The Heritage Quarter, at the bottom of the town, will be split into three main areas – the Western Quarter, St Andrew’s Gardens and the Eastern Quarter.

The Western Quarter will see new shops built with an extension to St George’s and the promise of five or six major shops.

The extension will be built on what is currently a car park. The 650 parking spaces will be moved underground.

St George’s Church will become a focal point with redesigned gardens and two major buildings with shops, offices, homes and a church hall built fronting West Street.

The existing Blockbuster and Domino’s Pizza will be demolished.

The Eastern Quarter also sees the car parks ditched in favour of a 50-bed four-star hotel and more homes.

A piazza will also be created, with restaurants, cafes and homes around it.

Finally, St Andrew’s Gardens will be transformed, leaving the area much more open and easier to get around.

It will also be closely linked to the other areas by means of West Street becoming a 20mph zone without road markings – similar in style to the shared space scheme in Ashford.

Developers say the architecture, lighting, public art and even the street lamps will “draw on the rich heritage of the town”.

Architect Andrew Ogg said: “The whole point of the scheme is to bring life back into the Heritage Quarter and to tie in with the existing buildings and materials.

“We want to breathe new life back into Gravesend as well as bringing back the river as a focal point.

Gwen and Peter Fifield look at the plans for Gravesend

“If you look at how Gravesend once was, it was built on the river front and over time it has moved upwards and away from the river. We want to turn it around.”

The plans are set to be put to Gravesham council planners in October with the Eastern Quarter (the market area) being the main part.

The Western Quarter (the shopping area) will be submitted as an idea that will need a further application for approval at a later date.

The council will decide on whether to permit the scheme early next year.