Rochester Riverside
Reconnecting Rochester with its riverside
LUC’s teams worked with developers to regenerate the area between Rochester’s historic town centre and the River Medway.
The new community will provide 1,400 new homes and associated infrastructure, alongside 4.5 hectares of public open space including parks, play areas and recreational routes.
Creating a sustainable and healthy community
The key design concept of the development emphasises the surrounding natural environment and industrial heritage.
It maximises the unique riverside frontage and prioritises connectivity with the characterful town centre.
The £400 million scheme provides much-needed housing and jobs, a new primary school, a nursery, a hotel, leisure facilities, and retail units.
The improved green space will include a 2.5km riverside walkway and spaces for play, sports, and pop-up markets.
From inception to completion
From the project’s inception, LUC was part of the core design team, collaborating closely with architects at both conceptual masterplan and detailed levels.
Our teams developed the landscape strategy for the site, helping to secure planning permission for the outline masterplan. We also provided the Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment.
We are now working on the delivery of the scheme, providing both reserved matters proposals and construction packages.
The first phases are now complete and in use, with construction expected to be completed in 2029.
Connecting with nature
An important feature of the project is the regeneration of the river edge area, which was previously brownfield development land.
It will be transformed into ecologically rich grassland, complemented with embedded artwork informed by the local flora and the site's industrial legacy.
This pedestrianised open space will improve residents’ well-being and help to increase biodiversity by attracting wildlife back to the area.
“LUC has set the precedent for how well-thought-out open space and landscaping can improve not only the quality of a new development but also positively impact the well-being and quality of life of those living there. The vision that LUC crafted for this outstanding area of play and outdoor gym equipment has surpassed our expectations. This was clearly demonstrated during its opening - the park was overrun by local school children and new residents who could not resist a go on the outdoor gym equipment.”
Alex HodgeAssociate Development Director, Countryside (Vistry Group)
