A “beautiful” town centre green space, which harks back to the Edwardian era, has reopened following a £2.8million facelift.

The Paddock, between Chatham Waterfront bus station and the Pentagon shopping centre, in the centre of Chatham has been overhauled as part of a grand redesign.

It has seen new benches, plant beds, a small amphitheatre space, and sloping pathways added for easier accessibility.

The project has taken four years to come to fruition, but the designs have changed over time and a water feature was axed due to cost concerns.

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Vince Maple cut the ceremonial ribbon on the redeveloped green space along with deputy mayor Cllr Douglas Hamandishe this morning (August 13).

Designers said the new design works with many of the existing features as well as paying tribute to Chatham’s heritage, while also adding new improvements.

Additionally, the redevelopment has sought to make the area safer by improving lighting and expanding the scope of CCTV cameras.

In place of the proposed water feature, there is instead a paved area with seating around the edge and a 19th century map of Chatham carved into the ground.

The materials used also are intended to relate to Chatham’s naval history, using particularly wood and untreated steel for the benches and walls.

The designers also say they have adapted the green areas of the park so the horse-chestnut trees, some of which have been in place for more than a hundred years, have more space to grow and flourish.

Cllr Maple said the reopening was an important step in the redevelopment of Chatham and the new Paddock design had something for everyone.

He said: “This has been a public space for well over 100 years, back to Edwardian times, but I think it's fair to say prior to this project being completed it was quite run down.

“I think people will really enjoy a very new, modern public space, but with a real kind of push back to history as well.

“There was originally planned a water feature, but they cost quite a lot to maintain and keep up and running, and people know our financial situation, so we took a difficult decision to say, actually we'll take a different approach.

“The previous paddock was quite inaccessible, so those with mobility issues will find this space much more welcoming - for me, it's about making sure it's truly open for everybody.

“So I'll be bringing my son, Ned, here, and he'll be one of the first to enjoy this beautiful green space.”

Bryan Fowler, a Chatham resident who has raised concerns about the redevelopment over the years, says he’s pleased the park has now reopened

But he still isn’t totally impressed with the redesign and says the important thing is the space is well maintained.

He said: “I'm very pleased to see that the paddock is open, because it's been closed for two years now, and I really sympathise with us residents and businesses which have been inconvenienced in that time.

“I think it looks nice, but I don't think it was all worth it, as there are still issues not addressed such as there’s no raised seating which is suitable for elderly people and the seating there is isn’t in the shade.

“Long term we’re going to have to see how it is used, because if it’s to be successful as it is now it's going to need proper maintenance.

“I want it to be successful because we don't want it to deteriorate and those gardens have got to be maintained - the plants, the flowers and shrubs are going to have to be pruned this autumn and forever.

“I'm pleased that there isn't a water fountain - it was a ridiculous idea which would’ve cost £44,000 per year to maintain and the real feature of the Paddock are those horse-chestnut trees anyway - but unfortunately there's much more concrete in it now than there used to be.

“I really love that area. I walk through it at least three times per week, and I just hope that it's properly maintained.”

The redevelopment was funded by the central government Future High Streets Fund, which contributed £9.5 million to various projects across Medway, £2.8 million of which was for The Paddock.

The new green space was fully opened to the public to enjoy on Tuesday (August 13).