Decision details

This item will seek approval for the disposal strategy for the land owned by Medway Council and SEEDA which comprises the Rochester Riverside Development.

116/2006 The Cabinet agreed that the approach to the development of the whole of Rochester Riverside is undertaken in two main phases (A and C on the attached plan) with a development partner being initially sought for phase A, possibly with an option to take a future phase if performance is satisfactory, but with the restriction that no land can be traded on. The exception to the approach is two areas of land comprising Doust Way car park and the hotel/office quarter identified on the plan, which will both, be subject to separate development approaches.
117/2006 The Cabinet agreed the form of tenure for the development in the form of 999-year leases and the relative balance between annual service charge and potential dowry be further analysed to identify best value for the Council.
118/2006 The Cabinet agreed that Doust Way car park be brought forward independently from the first phase of development at Rochester Riverside as a cultural/arts scheme incorporating student housing and car parking. If the scheme cannot be achieved by the time the first phase developer for Rochester Riverside is appointed then the car park will be included in phase 1 in accordance with the original masterplan.
119/2006 The Cabinet agreed that specialist agents be appointed to market the hotel/conference facility and adjoining mixed-use office quarter to secure an appropriate development partner.
120/2006 The Cabinet agreed the timescale for procurement and the formal stages for the involvement of Members.
121/2006 The Cabinet agreed the principles of the two-stage developer partner selection.

The Cabinet decision on the development approach for Rochester Riverside is required in order to progress the redevelopment of the site in accordance with the outline planning permission for the masterplan. The current engineering works are the first stage of ensuring the site can become a successful sustainable development.The next step is to secure the best development partner to undertake the construction of new homes and other mixed use facilities. Approval to the development approach will enable officers to start the selection process in accordance with the timescale outlined in the report.