Thames Gateway Kent
Thames Gateway Kent covers broadly the area east of the M25, bounded to the north by the Thames River and to the south by the A2 and the Downs. The main concentrations of population are in Medway and in the towns of Dartford, Gravesham, and Sittingbourne.
The area has many outstanding assets – its heritage, countryside, town centres, riverside and people with a strong identity and pride in their communities. It also has tremendous potential – an excellent location on strategic transport routes, near major UK and European markets, close proximity to London, large tracts of brownfield land and a rapidly developing infrastructure.
Each of the areas in Thames Gateway Kent is developing a distinctive role.
Dartford and Gravesham
Set to become an international commercial centre with a major new business district being developed at Ebbsfleet Valley around the new international rail station. The development of Ebbsfleet Valley is the top priority for the sub-region and will complement the revitalisation of Dartford and Gravesham town centres.
Medway
With its superb riverside developments, historical sites and new university campus, Medway is rapidly developing as a new city of learning, culture, tourism and enterprise, while Thamesport on the Isle of Grain has the potential to develop further port and logistics employment.
Swale
Logistics and science-based industries are emerging as key drivers of growth. The new Sheppey Crossing is unlocking the full potential of Sheerness Port on the Isle of Sheppey which is set to become a major manufacturing hub for the offshore wind industry.
Significant Government investment has been made over the last decade in a range of initiatives, including brownfield remediation, land assembly, new transport infrastructure, environmental and cultural enhancements, town centre regeneration, and better education and skills facilities. Each of these will play a key part in transforming the opportunities and fabric of North Kent.