Rochester Riverside

Rochester Riverside is a large-scale urban regeneration project located on a 74-acre (30-hectare) brownfield site between the River Medway and the railway line in Rochester, Kent, England. The development aims to create a vibrant mixed-use community, combining residential, commercial, and public spaces, while improving transport infrastructure and reconnecting the town centre to the riverside. It is a significant component of the ongoing regeneration efforts in the Medway area.

History

The Rochester Riverside site, located along the River Medway in Rochester, Kent, has a long history of industrial use dating back to at least the 1700s. Initially, the area was home to shipbuilding activities, notably the Ross shipyard, which operated from 1795 to 1814, constructing warships for the British Navy. Following the death of Mary Ross in 1814, the site passed to John Foord & Sons, general contractors, and continued to be used for shipbuilding. In the 19th century, the area became the base for the New Medway Steam Packet Company, which maintained and operated a fleet of paddle steamers. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the site also supported the construction and maintenance of barges and other vessels. The area, known as Delce Wharf and later Acorn Wharf, remained industrial for much of the 20th century, with shipyards and factories operating on the land. By the mid-2000s, the site saw a decline in activity and was eventually sold. In 2016, Acorn Shipyard, the last operating shipyard on the site, went into administration, and the site was left vacant. In subsequent years, the site suffered from a series of fires, including incidents in September 2016, November 2016, and May 2017, before the buildings were demolished and the site was cleaned in preparation for redevelopment. The site is now part of the Rochester Riverside regeneration project, which aims to transform the area into a mixed-use development, including up to 1,400 new homes, commercial spaces, and public amenities. This redevelopment is part of a broader initiative to revitalize the southern bank of the River Medway, while preserving the site's historic connections to shipbuilding and maritime industry.

In 2004, Medway Council adopted a development brief for Rochester Riverside, which outlined the comprehensive redevelopment of the site. The master plan envisioned transforming the area into a mixed-use community, incorporating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, marking the beginning of efforts to revitalize the waterfront.^[1]

Development timeline

• 2004: Medway Council adopted the development brief for Rochester Riverside, setting out a vision for the area's transformation.^[1]
• 2016: Proposals for phases 1 to 3 were submitted by Countryside Properties and Hyde Housing, focusing on the development of residential, educational, and community facilities. The proposed development included 502 new homes, a primary school, a hotel, and approximately 885 square meters of commercial space, which included retail outlets like a Co-op supermarket and a Costa Coffee café.^[2]
• 2017: Construction work began, with the first phase of the development set to deliver 1,400 new homes alongside necessary infrastructure and amenities. By early 2024, 502 homes were completed, with the 500th home handed over to residents in February 2024. Construction for Phase 7, which includes 154 homes, is slated to begin in 2025.^[2]
• 2019: The first residents moved into newly constructed homes at Rochester Riverside in June 2019. This milestone marked the completion of the initial residential areas, which included 489 homes, a hotel, and several commercial spaces.^[3]
• 2021: The construction of the Rochester Riverside Church of England Primary School was completed. Although delayed due to financial issues with the contractor, the school eventually opened in September 2023. The school's official opening ceremony took place in March 2024, attended by local dignitaries.^[4]
• 2023: Construction began on the seventh phase of development, including additional housing and public spaces, as the project continued to expand.^[5]

Key features

• Residential Development: The master plan includes up to 1,400 homes, which will feature a range of housing types. A portion of the homes will be designated as affordable housing, catering to a variety of household needs.
• Public and Commercial Spaces: The development incorporates a variety of amenities such as cafés, restaurants, retail outlets, and a multi-storey car park. These commercial elements are designed to create a mixed-use environment, supporting the local economy and meeting the needs of residents.
• Rochester Riverside Primary School: The Rochester Riverside Church of England Primary School opened in September 2023, providing a 420-place, two-form entry school to serve the growing population.
• Public Spaces: Over 10 acres of public space have been incorporated into the development, with parks, green spaces, and recreational areas designed for community use.
• Transport Infrastructure: The site benefits from improved transport connections, including proximity to Rochester Railway Station, which provides easy access to surrounding areas, including London.
• Eventide Park: A new public space located within the school area, providing green space for the local community.

Ongoing development

As of 2025, the Rochester Riverside development continues to progress, with new housing phases being completed and public amenities expanded. The development aims to create a balanced community that integrates residential areas with spaces for work, leisure, and education.

Future prospects

The completion of the full master plan is anticipated over several years, with continued improvements to the public realm, residential areas, and community infrastructure. Future phases will include additional residential developments, commercial spaces, and enhanced public amenities. The regeneration of Rochester Riverside is expected to contribute significantly to the local economy and play a key role in the broader revitalization of the Medway area.