Developers are offering people grants to help projects in Rochester.

Crowdfund Rochester is being launched by Countryside and Hyde today and has £50,000 available to support community initiatives.

The initial aim is to get five to six projects in progress this year with equity-matching.

Cllr Alan Jarrett, Leader of Medway Council, said: “I am pleased to support our partners at Countryside and Hyde, who are delivering the new Rochester Riverside development and have launched a crowdfunding initiative to further benefit local residents.

“Rochester is already a fantastic place to live, with a strong sense of community and this new initiative will give residents even more opportunities to voice the local projects they’d like to see and take part in.

“I look forward to seeing the first crowdfunding projects get underway this year.”

The iniative is being offered as part of Countryside and Hyde’s new £419m regeneration scheme, Rochester Riverside, which is currently underway.

Over the next 12 years, the developers will create a community of 1400 homes, a primary school, nursery, hotel and parking.

Andy Fancy, managing director for north and south London at Countryside Partnerships South, said: “We’re incredibly excited for the launch of Crowdfund Rochester, which will generate and provide funding for projects that will benefit the community.

“We want people to come forward with their ideas on how they want to improve the local area; from community gardens and street murals, to festivals and sports facilities.”

David Gannicott, group director of business development at the Hyde Group, said: “This is a great opportunity for local businesses and residents to bring their ideas forward on how to enhance the local community. We are pleased to support the launch of Crowdfund Rochester.

“ It is a really positive initiative to improve local facilities and bring people together.”

People who are interested are invited to the launch at Rochester Corn Exchange at 6pm this evening (June 12).

Registration to the event is free and you can sign up here.