The "central spine of the site will include "Chatham Central Park" complete with a water feature and bridges. Picture: Peel Land and Property

by Alan McGuinness

More details have emerged of the £650 million project that is expected bring a jobs bonanza to the Towns.

Detailed plans to transform 26 acres of land at Chatham Docks, creating 3,500 jobs, have been submitted to Medway Council.

Developer Peel Land and Property received outline planning permission for the site last year, when it was agreed what type of facilities will be in the site’s four zones and the maximum height of buildings.

Now the company has come back with more information on the appearance of buildings, landscaping, layout and the scale of the first phase of the development.

This will include an Asda supermarket, a fully automated petrol station, a pub/restaurant, a 27-bedroom hotel operated by Marstons and a coffee shop.

A new park to be known as Chatham Central Park with a water feature is planned as the "central spine" of the site.

This will include walking, cycling and jogging routes and is intended as a space where people can gather and socialise.

It is estimated the supermarket alone will employ 400 people.

The developer hopes to begin work on the site in September. Picture: Peel Land and Property

The entire project includes up to 475 student apartments and 950 flats and houses, a multi-storey car park, office space, shops and university facilities.

A conference centre similar to Media City in Salford, Greater Manchester, is also envisaged to host media events, trade shows and conferences.

Planning documents state: "The vision of the masterplan is one of a scheme that is respectful of its context but re-energises the Chatham waterfront, creating a new vibrant quarter that relates to, but does not compete with, Chatham.

"With the completion of this scheme Chatham should see a complete renewal of its waterfront, providing a social promenade that unifies the whole of the area."

Members of the public have until April 11 to make their views about the plans known. A decision is expected to be made in June.

If the first phase is approved Peel hope to put the first spade in the ground in September and complete work in early 2015.