Appointed by Medway Development Company, BPTW is leading the redevelopment of this prominent brownfield site that previously housed the Strood Civic Centre to create a destination masterplan of 195 mixed-tenure homes and 115 sqm of commercial space and 6000 sqm of new green public realm and play space.

The prominent 2.63 hectare site is bounded on two sides by the river Medway to the south, a railway and the historic Strood High Street with Rochester Bridge linking to the east. BPTW’s masterplan connects Strood High Street to the river with a hierarchy of new residential streets, landscaped terraces and parkland that celebrate the spectacular views of Rochester Castle and Cathedral. The combination of new homes provides residential typologies that cater for the variety of modern lifestyles today, with denser three to four-storey apartment buildings bordering the river and railway and lower-rise family housing in-between.

The masterplan has four character areas inspired by the historic industrial buildings that once stood on the site and Strood’s architectural vernacular. The new buildings offer contemporary interpretations of these precedents through elegant building proportions, pitched roof forms, brick material choices and architectural detailing.

Environmental and social sustainability is an important design driver. The landscaped public realm responds to the river setting and flora and fauna while introducing sustainable urban drainage, flood defences, urban greening and an edible community garden. New recreational and socialising spaces enhance neighbourhood wellbeing while creating enjoyable environments for walking and cycling to promote sustainable, active travel. The homes will benefit from PV panels, electric vehicle charging and air source heat pumps to create a sustainable, resilient development for years to come.