ArcelorMittal set for Chatham Docks regen

Manufacturing conglomerate ArcelorMittal Kent Wire has partnered with architecture studio SPPARC to design a new masterplan for Chatham Docks, Kent. The move comes as Peel L&P, the freehold owner of the port, plans to close the Docks in 2025 to create Chatham Waters, a mixed-use scheme featuring 1m sq ft workspace, 3,600 homes, 35 acres of community space, and improved connectivity with neighbouring areas. ArcelorMittal occupies a large part of the port alongside other industrial users, who strongly oppose Peel’s scheme, warning that a replacement of docks for residential use could result into a £258m loss to the Medway economy each year. As such, ArcelorMittal is proposing to add up to 1.1m sq ft of new industrial floorspace that would result in the creation of 2,500 jobs across the site. Existing businesses, which currently house 800 research and development and advanced manufacturing jobs on site, will be retained with their operations efficiency expected to be improved. The masterplan also includes the creation of a green landscaped riverfront route linking St Mary’s Island – part of the Chatham Maritime development area in Medway – with Chatham Waters’ shopping offer on the mouth of the peninsula, new piers to improve the efficiency of the basin, and green buffer zones and community spaces adjacent to the lock gates. Phil Taylor, chief executive of ArcelorMittal, said: “Ports in the South East are already stretched to capacity. As Britain seeks to find new trading partners across the world, it is vital that successful places such as Chatham Docks are supported in policy and planning and grow sustainably, in a coordinated way, as a critical component of Britain’s goods and manufacturing supply chain.” To send feedback, e-mail evelina.grecenko@eg.co.uk or tweet @gre_eve Images © SPPARC Explore and compare more property in Chatham here >>