Plans have emerged to build over 600 homes and a huge new supermarket in a Kent town. But the blueprint to build hundreds of homes, a supermarket and a retirement living complex on the town's landmark site has sparked fears for a local sailing club.
Blueberry Homes has now set out its vision for the former Southern Gas Networks (SGN) Depot, near The Strand in Gillingham. The current plans include 500 apartments across seven blocks and a further 140 specialist apartments for older people, with 450 car parking spaces and 600 cycle parking spaces.
At the moment, the Ramsgate-based developer has not committed to providing affordable homes but says it aims to make all its developments accessible to potential home-buyers of all budgets. A new 20,000 sq ft supermarket is also planned. However, the nearby ASDA has previously challenged other applications in the vicinity having previously been accused of "gangster-like behaviour".
An additional 16,000 sq ft of commercial space is planned for the site, and Blueberry Homes says it will build a new clubhouse for the Segas Sailing Club, which currently is on the site. John Molloy, commodore for the club, said plans for the clubhouse were discussed at a meeting with Blueberry and Medway Council, and a new building four times the size of the current one was promised.
The developers told the sailing club it wanted to ensure a strong and vibrant future for Segas and the nearby Medway Watersports, although that is not within the bounds of the site. The larger clubhouse was also agreed to include an 8m undercroft for storage and a working boat yard to the front.
However, John says these plans are not reflected in the designs published for the public information event. He said: "The current documents circulated for wider public consultation do not show the clubhouse and environs as originally outlined to us at the meeting with Blueberry Homes and the council. Indeed, it appears not to show the clubhouse in any detail.
"It is true to say that we have not seen, nor have we had, as yet, an opportunity to examine in detail, any plans or written proposals. Segas Sailing Club and Medway Watersports are part of what makes The Strand what it is, a rare island of accessible family fun, relaxation and enjoyment for the residents of Gillingham.
"The current consultation process is an opportunity for the residents and community to safeguard the future of Segas Sailing Club and Medway Watersports and we look to that support to help deliver the clubhouse and yard as outlined in that original meeting." Segas Sailing Club has been in Gillingham for more than 50 years and along with Medway Watersports, its registered charity partners, offers paddle-boarding, canoeing and sailing for members and volunteers as well as taster sessions for people interested in giving them a go.
Local swimming group the Blue Tits has more than 40 members based at the club and one of the most active hovercraft sections in the southeast also meets there. But John says the club, situated behind the former gas depot, is more than just the activities it offers, being a part of the local community and keeping alive local heritage associated with the river, the dockyard and its industry.
He added that the club also represents a local employer, with a number of local skilled craftsmen and women such as riggers, engineers, rope and sail workers, shipwrights, chandlers, as well as admin and cleaning staff. Blueberry Homes says it hopes to redevelop the brownfield site, opening up and making the most of the waterfront, and will restore the sea wall.
It estimates the specialist homes for older people, the supermarket, commercial space and yacht club will create 180 new jobs, as well as create jobs during the construction of the development. The large gas holders on the site have been there since 1854 under various owners until it was decommissioned in 1968.
Work to dismantle them got under way in October 2023 after SGN was tasked with deconstructing all its gas holders by 2029. To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.
A public information event is set to take place on Friday (January 24), between 3pm and 7pm, at the Sunlight Centre in Richmond Road, Gillingham. Designs for the site will be displayed and representatives will be available to discuss them.
Following the event, Blueberry Homes says it will consider the feedback before submitting a planning application for the site. The property developer has been approached for further detail regarding the sailing club's concerns.