A MULTI-million pound arts and entertainments complex on the banks of the River Medway will go ahead, despite being turned down for lottery funding.

Medway Council says plans for an arts and entertainment complex on the banks of the River Medway and a transformation of the Great Lines into a world-class city park will go ahead regardless.

They have vowed to find another way to fund the projects which both failed to make the shortlist for funding from the Big Lottery Fund.

In January, Medway Council submitted a bid to the Big Lottery Fund's Living Landmarks programme for help to build the REACH at Chatham, a £78 million project centred on a landmark building for rock music, opera, theatre, exhibitions and conferences, in January. The plans also included a cable car crossing to the river’s north bank.

A spokesman for the Big Lottery Fund said the bid had been a strong contender in “a very competitive programme.” The bid came through the first two rounds of BLF approval, beating dozens of other rival projects across the UK.

But it failed to make the final shortlist, from which a single project will win £25-50m in a televised national public vote next year

Funding of £25 million needed to transform the Great Lines, was also refused, but officers are still determined to turn their plans into reality.

The funding would have been used to restore the unique historic landmark of the Great Lines, Lower Lines and Dockyard in to a world-class city park for residents and visitors to enjoy wildlife, sport, leisure, performing arts, education and training.

Medway Council plan to release a document outlining their vision and a dedicated officer has been employed to turn their vision into reality.

Cllr Rodney Chambers, leader of Medway Council, said: “Clearly this is disappointing news but it is by no means the end of the REACH. The people of Medway have told us loud and clear that they want and deserve a major new cultural quarter, and we intend to deliver.

“I’d like to thank all those who have put so much time and effort into the project so far.

“We are very disappointed that the Great Lines City Park project did not receive the funding that we feel it deserved.

“This is not the end of the road for exciting proposals. Medway Council recognises the interest and momentum that this application has created and will work even harder to turn the vision into a reality.”

FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S MEDWAY MESSENGER