Updating the Agenda

The Government’s agenda in the 2003 Sustainable Communities Plan provides a strong focus on economic growth, new jobs, improving skills, meeting housing needs, creating inclusive communities and improving transport and the environment.

By 2006, regeneration was well underway across the Thames Gateway and firm foundations had been laid for the next – and most crucial - stage in the transformation of its infrastructure, economy and environment.

Other issues have been moving up the agenda too, such as: maximising the Olympic legacy; meeting the challenge of climate change; securing consistently high standards of design; and creating a shared identity across the Gateway.

So, with the emphasis shifting even more firmly from planning to delivery, the Government decided to establish a clear framework to guide developers, companies and residents making investments in the Gateway’s future.

The Thames Gateway Strategic Framework

Developed in close collaboration with the TGKP and the other sub-regional partnerships, the Thames Gateway Strategic Framework aims to guide the delivery of public policy, investment and services over the next 10 years and beyond.

The Framework will establish:

• the economic rationale for investment in the Gateway;
• a full set of pan-Gateway policies and commitments, including the criteria for prioritising Government investment;
• the phasing and sequencing of developments, infrastructure and public services;
• steps needed for further development of suitable delivery structures;
• the context for detailed delivery programmes in each of the Thames Gateway’s three sub-regions.
  

For more detailed information and updates on the Thames Gateway Strategic Framework, see http://www.communities.gov.uk/thamesgateway

North Kent’s Priority Locations

In developing the Strategic Framework four locations have been identified as crucial drivers for North Kent’s economic renaissance:

Ebbsfleet Valley - the critical need to make Ebbsfleet succeed as a major new business district is the top priority for North Kent. Ebbsfleet and Eastern Quarry alone will deliver 28,000 jobs and 10,000 homes. Moreover Ebbsfleet, with its unique location, is well placed to attract the high value-added jobs we are seeking.

Making Medway city a reality – with its superb riverside sites, strategic location, maritime heritage, new university campus and town centre regeneration plans, Medway is well placed to emerge as an international city of learning, culture, tourism and enterprise.

Swale’s axis of opportunity – The new Sheppey crossing is the key to unlocking the full potential of Sheerness Port - a key access point for goods that serve the Thames Gateway and beyond - and the Isle of Sheppey. The challenge now is to take advantage of the growth opportunities along the A249 corridor.

Revitalising town centres – Essential to the goal of ensuring that existing communities share fully in the new opportunities is the need to continue the revitalisation of Dartford, Gravesham and Sittingbourne town centres.