By Hayley Robinson

Images of how the old paper mill could look once the site is developed have gone on show.

The site owner, London-based developers Essential Land is holding a public exhibition at 1 to 5 High Street, Sittingbourne, from noon to 8pm today (Friday) and from 10am to 4pm tomorrow (Saturday).

The event will showcase some preliminary plans and views of the proposed £30m redevelopment scheme which have been arrived at following the consultation so far.

The ambitious plan has been submitted to Swale council for approval.
Members of the development team will also be on hand to answer questions and record public feedback.

Leaflets have been sent to residents about the proposal and anyone living or working in Sittingbourne is invited to attend the exhibition.

Scott Hammond, partner at Essential Land, said: "Our consultation is going well and we hope that those who have taken part will see how their aspirations for the site have influenced the masterplan.

"The exhibition is an additional chance for the local community to view the proposals, including many new artist's impressions and proposed layouts. They can also speak directly to the team responsible for delivering the scheme.

"We are keen for local people to comment and help contribute to what we believe will be an important first step in the wider regeneration of Sittingbourne."

The Sittingbourne Mill project covers two sites - the Mill Site to the north of the railway line at the intersection between Mill Way and Milton Road and the nearby Wharf Site next to Milton Creek.

Essential Land bought the site from Finnish paper company M-Real for £5.65m in June.

While the vision for the site is subject to planning permission, the mixed-use development is expected to create 300 building jobs and more than 400 jobs once finished.

Those unable to attend the exhibition can still participate online by completing a questionnaire on the Sittingbourne Mill website http://www.sittingbournemill.com/ following Twitter for updates and taking part in polls and by logging onto ConsultSittingbourneMill on Facebook to view and comment on the proposals.

Alternatively, you can write to Sittingbourne Mill Consultation, 7 Hertford Street, London, W1J 7RH.