The latest phase of a huge 1,400-home riverside development on former brownfield land has been given the go-ahead.

Planning permission has been granted for the third phase of the £419 million Rochester Riverside development which will now see 171 homes added.

Work is already well underway on the first two phases from Rochester station along the River Medway towards Chatham.

The new phase focusses on the area around the historic blue crane on the dockside – which has recently been refurbished – at the centre of a new public park and arts space.

The park will sit alongside the new homes – 128 apartments and 43 houses – and a new section of the 2.5km river walk connecting the entire development.

Joint developers Countryside and Hyde have described their scheme, which will be completed in the next 12 years, as Medway's "flagship regeneration project".

Once finished, the homes will be joined by a new primary school, nursery and more than 10 acres of landscaping and public space.

The development has started to spring up in recent months with the completed plaza, featuring a Co-op, Costa Coffee and Travelodge hotel all near the revamped Rochester station,

Andy Fancy, managing director for Countryside's developments in the south, said: “Throughout the project, we have worked closely with the local community and Medway Council to ensure that the development reflects the needs of residents and businesses and delivers high-quality homes and community facilities.

"Phase Three is no different and will deliver a varied mix of new homes, ideal for Medway residents and those looking to find their perfect home in this thriving location.”

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett (Con), said: “We’re delighted that progress continues to be made with Medway’s flagship development.

"I would like to wish everyone involved with the development well during this time, especially the residents who have already moved in to their new homes.

"It is a fantastic community which is continuing to grow and thrive.”

He added the completion of the first affordable homes later this year would make "Rochester Riverside even more desirable to the people of Medway."

Guy Slocombe, chief investment officer for Hyde, said: “This green light enables us to continue momentum with the delivery of new homes and amenities at Rochester Riverside, and with the first affordable homes due to complete later in the year, 2020 is already proving itself to be an important year for the development and its growing community.”

Residents moved into the first homes to be completed last June after construction started on the opening phases in February 2018.

A total of 157 homes – one and two-bedroom apartments and three and four-bedroom houses – have been sold with another 128 homes completed and now occupied.

Building work has been suspended on the development due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic but sales teams are still available to give virtual viewings and appointments by telephone. Call 01634 778592 or email rochester.riverside@cpplc.com for more.

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