Plans for 355 flats unveiled for Go Outdoors and HomePlus Furniture store in Chatham
Published: 21:08, 11 March 2024
Updated: 12:21, 12 March 2024
Plans for more than 350 flats and commercial space have been unveiled for a town centre.
Developers are asking for feedback on proposals to convert a former Go Outdoors building and HomePlus Furniture.
Go Outdoors in The Brook, Chatham, closed down permanently in August 2020 – just over four years after it opened.
It's thought the decision was made after failed negotiations with the landlord of the building, which used to be occupied by Tesco, to renew its contract.
The unit has sat empty ever since.
Next door is the Market Hall building, which is currently occupied by HomePlus Furniture.
The area has previously been identified in the Chatham Town Centre Masterplan for redevelopment.
Proposals to convert the site into 335 flats have now been unveiled by company Arpenteur.
The new homes would be a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Building sizes would range between six and 12 storeys.
Ground floor space facing the high street is set to be kept for commercial businesses, as well as other “flexible” areas within the site.
A central plaza and nature play area will be open to the public.
There is also an empty multi-storey car park in Cross Street – which lies outside of the proposed development area.
Due to low occupancy and anti-social behaviour it was closed in 2022 by Medway Council.
Arpenteur has put forward the idea of reinstating the car park, which would be operated privately for use by the public and future residents.
It said: “Whilst it is anticipated that, given the central nature of the site with excellent sustainable transport links, the majority of residents will utilise the local network, provision will also be made within the multi-storey car park for future residents to rent a space.”
New trees, wildflowers and green roofs have been included in the plans to increase biodiversity.
Arpenteur specialises in brownfield development and chooses buildings that are “under-utilised and/or derelict”.
On its website, the company says: “We plan to deliver a first-rate development on this important site, with high-quality and well-designed apartment buildings, alongside ground floor commercial, public open space and areas to create a place people can live, work and relax.
“The commercial spaces will create new jobs and deliver on the aspirations of the Chatham Town Centre Masterplan to bring life back to this important site and provide vital links to the High Street and surrounding area.”
A public exhibition and online survey is available for residents to view and provide feedback. Click here to find out more.
The consultation closes on Monday, March 25.
Arpenteur will then submit an application to Medway Council in “the coming months”.
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Cara Simmonds