BASIN3
PLANS SUBMITTED FOR BASIN3 – A BRAND-NEW EMPLOYMENT AND ENTERPRISE CAMPUS ON THE MEDWAY WATERFRONT
If successful, Basin3 will open up half a kilometre of waterfront to the public for the first time in the site’s history and is estimated to triple the number of jobs on site.
Waterside regeneration specialists Peel Waters have submitted plans to transform existing brownfield land into circa 31,000m² of flexible workspace, bringing with it the opportunity to create hundreds of new jobs and apprenticeships in Medway.
Following on from a series of public consultation events, the submitted plans have taken into consideration feedback from the local community and the Basin3 development has been designed to regenerate part of Chatham Docks Industrial Estate into a business and enterprise campus, offering high-quality, energy-efficient and sustainable workspace that integrates with existing communities whilst also attracting new businesses, encouraging job creation and boosting Medway’s economic growth.
The proposed Basin3 campus would be located close to Medway’s university cluster which significantly amplifies the potential to attract inward investment into Medway, especially from businesses seeking to employ local graduates, whilst creating high-skilled work opportunities in Medway and acting as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration.
If given the go-ahead, Basin3 will create a sustainable, versatile, and scalable waterfront space that actively promotes job creation by catering to businesses aligned with Medway Council’s target growth sectors, which includes creative, manufacturing and technology; life sciences; IT and digital along with dedicated spaces for start-ups and workshops for smaller independent businesses.
During the construction phase there will also be significant numbers of construction jobs and apprenticeships created for local people which complements the neighbouring Waterfront UTC, which specialises in construction and engineering.
Peel Waters’ proposed plans would also open up part of the waterfront to the public for the first time in its history. As part of the plans, a new tree lined promenade stretching over half a kilometre would be created, connecting the Basin3 campus with the new neighbourhoods at Chatham Waters and Colonial Wharf. The plans also include new dedicated waterside routes for pedestrians and cyclists, along with green spaces to play, relax and meet which could be utilised by the wider community.
James Whittaker, Executive Director, Peel Waters said: “Firstly, we want to thank everyone who attended one of our events or contributed their views during our consultation period. A key theme which emerged from local residents and the community was the need for employment space, which is why this is the next development we are focusing on delivering for the community here in Medway.
“We are confident that Basin3 will attract high-value jobs in target growth sectors including creative industries and advanced manufacturing, which is predicted to triple current job numbers on the site.
“The site we are promoting is currently brownfield land which presents a fantastic opportunity for sustainable regeneration, investment and development.
“Positioning this high-quality employment space adjacent to the cluster of universities and The Waterfront UTC, amplifies the potential to attract inward investment and encourages businesses to consider Medway as a key location for their growth whilst retaining local talent.”
Peel Waters has been developing in Medway for more than a decade. Peel has invested over £125 million into their Chatham Waters neighbourhood so far, which has helped create 750 jobs, delivered over 450 new homes and landmark developments such as the Asda Superstore, Waterfront UTC, the Mast and Rigging Restaurant/Pub and new affordable housing as well as creating large swathes of public realm and open space. Peel Waters has also made significant contributions to local health and educational facilities.
The team working on Basin3 include:
Developers: Peel Waters
Architects: Michael Sparks Associates
Planners: P4 Planning
More information can be found about Basin3 at: basin3.co.uk