Chatham Waters Phase 3
Gillingham, UK
project overview
New affordable homes sitting in a unique, attractive location
Following the successful delivery of Chatham Waters Phase 1, we led the design and delivery of Phase 3. This affordable homes development makes a significant contribution to the continuing regeneration of Chatham Docks and the wider Chatham Waters masterplan, providing 237 new affordable homes as part of a growing mixed tenure neighbourhood.
The project includes a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom townhouses, helping to support a broad range of households and strengthen long-term community balance. New homes are arranged across two buildings of eight and nine storeys, set on either side of a central linear park that links through to the waterfront and helps structure the public realm.
We wanted the architecture to feel calm and welcoming, and to play its part in shaping a waterfront neighbourhood that people can enjoy every day. By placing homes alongside active ground-floor uses and prioritising clear routes and shared outdoor space, the scheme helps bring more life to the river edge and supports Chatham Waters as a new destination for residents and visitors."
Dan Barnes
Regional Director and Project Lead
placemaking
Designed to feel like a real neighbourhood
Our design focuses on clear routes, welcoming outdoor spaces and a strong relationship with the waterfront, so that everyday life here feels easy and connected. The two buildings sit on either side of a central linear park. This green space gives the development a clear centre and a shared place for people to pass through, pause and spend time.
Our wider work in Medway also shaped the approach. When we reviewed the St Mary’s Island masterplan, the aim was to support good quality, sustainable living and to make waterfront places easier to understand and move around.
We looked at the usual challenges that come with waterside sites and worked to improve connections to the surrounding area, so places feel joined up rather than isolated.
We also developed a design code based on five placemaking themes: cohesion, hierarchy, place, ownership and memory. This meant creating a neighbourhood that feels consistent and well organised, with streets and spaces that have their own character and a clear link to the area’s dockyard history. For Phase 3, these ideas helped shape a setting with a stronger sense of identity and a public realm that supports community life.
challenges and solutions
An efficient design with lasting quality
A key challenge was to deliver high quality homes within a tight budget, while creating an architectural response that felt appropriate to the historic River Medway waterfront context.
We took inspiration from the character and rhythm of local dockside and warehouse buildings, which helped us develop a simple and contextual approach. This in turn supported an efficient building form and floorplate, helping the project meet cost targets while maintaining a strong identity.
key information
Project summary
Location
Gillingham, ME4 4RS
Client
The Peel Group
Completion
2024
Value
£40m
Includes
Mix of one and two bedroom apartments and three-bedroom townhouses
Team
Meet the team behind the project
Contact
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