Medway is set to receive almost £10 million to help reverse the decline of Chatham town centre.

Minister for High Streets and Rochester MP, Kelly Tolhurst, confirmed the council would receive the grant from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, which will inject £830m into the regeneration of high streets in 72 areas across England.

The local authority's leader Cllr Alan Jarrett welcomed news of the funding, which followed a bidding process.

"The bid was for more than that but it's another step in the right direction for the regeneration of Medway," he said.

"I'm thrilled to get it - it's another step in the right direction on top of the investment the council has already made and is making."

He noted redevelopment at the Pentagon Centre and schemes at Waterfront and Whiffens Avenue as examples of the kind of projects that were transforming the town, but said the council had yet to decide where the money would go.

"We will have to decide internally exactly which projects will get funding," he added. "It's good news because we could have got nothing. To get anything at all is a triumph."

It's been an uncertain and troubling time for business in Chatham High Street, which were struggling even before the impact of coronavirus and restriction measures.

Following years of decline the high street suffered another major blow in January when Debenham's closed its Chatham branch.

But news of the funding, which is also intended to support the most vulnerable in society following the Coronavirus pandemic, brings a glimmer of hope.

Ms Tolhurst said: “I am delighted to be confirming millions of pounds worth of investment for our high streets up and down the country following the conclusion of the Future High Streets Fund.

“I have reviewed some innovative local plans to drive growth, create jobs, improve transport, and reinvigorate public spaces – the funding will make places that communities can be proud of.

“I am particularly proud that Medway Council will be receiving close to £10 million to support its plans to redevelop Chatham Town Centre – this is great news for our high street as we recover from the impact of the pandemic and encourage more people to shop local.”

The announcement also follows news last month of ambitious multi-million pound plans to transform a disused office block in the centre of Chatham.

Proposals to convert Mountbatten House would see the office block transformed into 164 apartments, along with a rooftop dining space, public plaza, and a new entrance into the Pentagon Shopping Centre.

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