Strood Civic Centre: 195 new homes—what should the development deliver for local people?
The former Civic Centre site near Rochester Bridge offers an opportunity to bring new homes, public spaces and activity to Strood’s waterfront. What would make this development a success for the people who already live and work nearby?
This discussion focuses on the 195-home redevelopment of the former Civic Centre site, planning reference MC/24/0308.
What has been approved?
Medway’s Planning Committee approved the application on 18 December 2024, subject to conditions. Medway Development Company describes a scheme comprising 140 apartments and 55 houses, alongside a café/bar, public spaces and improved connections between Strood High Street and the riverfront.
In September 2025, Cabinet approved grant agreements unlocking £6.8 million from Homes England’s Brownfield Infrastructure and Land fund. This supports site preparation, including archaeology, contamination removal, flood protection and utilities. It is an enabling grant, rather than the total construction budget for all 195 homes.
Funding and preparatory activity are important delivery steps, but do not establish how far construction of the homes has progressed. Clear updates on the different stages would help residents understand what is happening.
Questions for residents and the project team
1. Flood protection and drainage
Flooding, particularly around the Esplanade, was discussed at the planning meeting. Officers explained that flood walls had been built and land raised. What further work is required, how will drainage be maintained, and how will neighbouring properties be protected during construction and over the longer term?
2. Traffic, parking and safe journeys
The council highlighted nearby rail and bus connections when accepting parking provision below its usual standards. Do those connections meet people’s everyday needs? What concerns do residents have about surrounding roads, parking overspill, deliveries and safe routes for pedestrians, cyclists and people with limited mobility?
3. Affordable homes
The planning minutes welcomed 25% affordable housing. What will the balance be between rented homes and other affordable tenures? How will eligibility, affordability and access for local households be explained?
4. GP appointments, schools and other services
The committee minutes recorded that the scheme could not viably support both affordable housing and the usual Section 106 infrastructure contributions. How will any additional demand for healthcare, education and other services be assessed and accommodated?
5. A waterfront everyone can enjoy
How will public access to the riverside, green spaces and seating be maintained? What arrangements will cover accessibility, lighting, cleaning and long-term upkeep? How should the development celebrate Strood’s history, protect important views and support riverside wildlife?
6. Construction disruption
What working hours, lorry routes and controls on noise, dust and vibration will apply? Residents and nearby businesses should have a clear contact for reporting problems and receiving updates.
7. Timetables and public money
What milestones should residents expect for site preparation, construction and occupation? With the council acting as a second guarantor for the grant, how will progress, cost pressures and funding risks be reported publicly?
What matters most to you?
Whether you support the redevelopment, have reservations or want clearer information, please share your views. Local experiences, photographs, suggestions and links to relevant documents are welcome.
What is the single most important thing this scheme needs to get right for Strood?
Sources:
Linked item location
ME2 4AU
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