A large slice of the important Thames Gateway riverfront region has been earmarked for regeneration, regional developers have announced.
The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) has announced plans to revitalise a 75-acre eastern section of the Northfleet Embankment at Northfleet, North Kent.
SEEDA has commissioned the Neighbourhood Initiatives Foundation to create a basic model for the currently isolated riverfront industrial site that will include business space, educational and community facilities, new homes, as well as green space and riverside walkways.
The Thames Gateway is Europe's largest regeneration area, and the scheme falls in line with the goal of governments and business development agencies to remake the region around so-called "centres of excellence".
The regeneration is focused on developing six key target growth sectors, which include life sciences and biotechnology, arts and design, creative industries, environmental technology, ICT and production industries, according to Innovation Thames Gateway, a partnership between business, government and educational facilities aimed at driving growth in the region.
SEEDA's mock-up of the proposed development, with colour-coded areas showing where different aspects of the scheme might be allocated, was first shown to the public before Christmas and will now be presented again at three events in the Gravesend and Northfleet areas starting on Friday 13 January.
"We are keen to hear what people living in neighbouring communities think about our ideas for this currently rather isolated and under utilised area," said Nick Young, SEEDA senior development manager.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into the area and create a sustainable, vibrant community that people want to live, work and spend leisure time in. We are keen to hear the views of as many people as possible."
Councillor John Burden, leader of Gravesham Borough Council, added: "Gravesham is an area that's on the up and a place where people want to be and we want to see the whole borough benefit from the range of regeneration projects planned for this area.
"These proposals offer local residents and existing businesses in Northfleet a chance to reap the rewards of this investment in their local economy."
