Long-awaited plans to transform an empty riverside site could soon be unveiled.

But details of what has been hailed as a “flagship development” are still under wraps.

Strood Waterfront, which was home to a historic industrial factory and in later years Medway Council’s civic headquarters, has lain dormant for several years.

But now a consultation process is due to start to redevelop the sizeable plot of land – overlooking the castle and cathedral on the other side of Rochester Bridge – into a housing estate.

Initially, there were plans for more than 1,000 homes including affordable housing, new businesses and public spaces on both sides of the bridge.

In 2018, the council was awarded £3.5 million government funding through the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) to pay for flood defence work.

Earlier this year, councillors discussed plans for a business “boxpark” similar to the one on the other side of the bridge in Canal Road where improvements have been carried out to include an outside gym, ballpark and playground.

However, it now looks like the scheme has been scaled down to about 180 houses and apartments for just the site behind Strood Retail Park.

But apart from ground preparation work, very little has happened on the brownfield site.

In the run-up to the consultation which is due “late this summer”, the council issued a statement in its magazine Medway Matters.

It said: “Have your say on plans to transform Strood Waterfront. This exciting project, which focuses on the council-owned land at the riverside and former Civic Centre site in Strood, includes plans to transform the site into a flagship development with aspirations to deliver a mix of highly sustainable all-electric houses and apartments with parking included.

“The site will connect seamlessly with Strood High Street and boast riverside walks, quality greenspaces, excellent travel connections and views of historic Rochester.”

The London-based architects BPTW have not responded to our calls for further information and images of what it might look like.

The council’s sub-contractor Medway Development Company is overseeing the project which sparked controversy after the former Aveling Porter Roller Steam plant, a landmark building, was demolished.

Conservationists fought to save the building, which was the world’s biggest manufacturer of steamrollers but failed after English Heritage refused to give it listed status.

At one point it became a large car park for visitors coming to Rochester for various festivals and events held in the castle grounds.

It was the main office for the council before its move to Gun Wharf in Dock Road, Chatham.