Nestled in Kent just a stone’s throw from London (well, about 30 miles if we’re being precise), Medway has become something of a sleeping giant in the Thames Gateway regeneration corridor. I’ve been watching developments here for years, and what’s happening now is genuinely exciting.
The transport links are solid, housing is still reasonably priced (for the Southeast, anyway), and there’s a growing pool of skilled workers. No wonder Medway Council has set its sights on delivering 30,000 new homes and creating 17,000 jobs by 2035. Ambitious? Yes. Achievable? From what I’ve seen on the ground, I’d say there’s a fighting chance.
The Big Projects Making Waves
Chatham Waters is probably the most visible transformation happening right now. Peel L&P has committed £650 million to turn 26 acres of old dockland into something special. Last time I visited, the mix of apartments, offices, shops, and public spaces was really taking shape. You can still feel the maritime history, but there’s a freshness to the development that’s bringing new energy to the area.
Over at Rochester Riverside, Countryside and Hyde are plugging away at a massive £419 million project covering 74 acres along the riverfront. 1,400 homes planned, plus a hotel, school, and plenty of public space. What I appreciate about this one is how they’re managing to respect Rochester’s heritage while building something new. Not always an easy balance to strike!
Green Building That Actually Makes Sense
Look, everyone talks about sustainability these days—it’s practically mandatory in press releases. But what’s impressed me about Medway’s developments is that the green elements aren’t just box-ticking exercises.
I’ve noticed several consistent approaches across different sites:
- Modular construction techniques that reduce both waste and energy use
- Actual functioning renewable energy systems (not just spaces “designed for future solar panels”)
- Green roofs that support local wildlife and help with drainage
- Materials sourcing that considers carbon impact
These aren’t revolutionary concepts, but seeing them implemented consistently across multiple developments suggests a real commitment rather than greenwashing.
Let’s Talk About the Waste Problem
If you work in construction, you know that waste management is often the unglamorous reality that undermines otherwise sustainable projects. DEFRA’s figures don’t lie—construction, demolition, and excavation waste makes up nearly 60% of all waste produced in the UK. Pretty sobering when you think about it.
What’s encouraging in Medway is that developers seem to be taking this seriously. I’ve noticed more and more project managers partnering with local waste handlers who understand the specific challenges and opportunities of the region.
Using local providers like Skip Hire Team makes perfect sense when you think about it—less transport emissions, faster response times when you need a skip collected or delivered, and money staying in the local economy. Their sorting facilities divert over 90% from landfill, which means developers can actually back up their sustainability claims with hard numbers.
Growing Talent Locally
The other bit that gives me hope for Medway’s future is seeing how education and industry are working together. The University of Greenwich’s Medway campus and MidKent College aren’t just churning out graduates—they’re creating professionals with skills tailored to what’s actually needed on site.
I spent an afternoon at a careers fair last month and was genuinely impressed by how many apprentices were getting hands-on experience with everything from traditional building techniques to cutting-edge sustainable construction methods. These aren’t just theoretical exercises—they’re working on actual Medway projects.
What Other Regions Could Learn
Having seen regeneration efforts across the UK (some brilliant, some disastrous), Medway seems to be getting the fundamentals right. There’s a practical approach to planning, genuine consideration of environmental impact, and smart use of local resources and talent.
As the country grapples with housing shortages and net-zero targets, the Medway approach offers some valuable lessons—particularly around balancing ambition with deliverability.
Looking to the Future
Medway’s transformation isn’t just about changing the skyline—it represents a shift in thinking about how places can evolve without losing their character or destroying the environment.
From the waterfront developments at Chatham to the community-focused housing in Rochester, the region is demonstrating that construction can be better—more thoughtful, more sustainable, and more connected to place.
And behind every successful project, there’s an ecosystem of contributors making it possible, from architects and engineers to apprentices and yes, even the local skip hire companies ensuring that waste is managed responsibly.
By embracing the full supply chain—including services like skip hire in Medway—developers aren’t just building structures; they’re building a template for how construction might look in a greener, more connected future.
