A former riverside rubbish tip is to be transformed into a new park in a £1.3 million green project.

The council’s Cabinet last night approved the proposal to develop Temple Marsh, Strood, into an open space.

The area, between the town’s yacht club and the Medway Valley Park leisure venue, has been considered for a variety of developments over the years, including a possible stadium for Gillingham FC.

The idea of a 20,000-plus stadium fell through in 2004 because the costs to improve transport links were too high.

Now Temple Marsh will be turned into a park area with pathways and river views, as well as wildlife preserves.

Despite the financial difficulties the council currently faces, the transformation will go ahead, funded by ring-fenced “Section 106 money”.

This is cash for providing community and social infrastructure paid for by housebuilder Redrow – which is behind the neighbouring Temple Woods development – as part of its planning permission agreement.

Cllr Simon Curry, portfolio holder for climate change and strategic regeneration, introduced the scheme, saying the site has been tricky for redevelopment as it was formerly a rubbish tip that is still “gassing”.

Gassing is where the previous rubbish releases fumes as it decomposes - a combination of methane and carbon dioxide, which can, if not dealt with properly, be dangerous.

However, the report presented to cabinet outlining the development says it will avoid changes that will disturb the former landfill site and will seek guidance from experts about the current conditions.

Cllr Curry said: “There are very beautiful views if you stand on the shore at that part of the river, looking out across to the castle. It will be well worth it.

“The money is available, the plans are ready to be written. One of our main pledges was to deliver green spaces and deliver on access and this is a project that does that for the people of Strood.”

The cabinet agreed to use the total of £1.3 million for the hiring of a project officer, the designing of plans for the site, and the delivery of the project.

It is predicted that a site design will be agreed in January, with work being completed by the end of 2024.