Millennium river park wins prize

The 10km Millennium Park begins at Teston Country Park

One of Kent's biggest Millennium projects has won a prestigious award from the Civic Trust.

Maidstone Millennium River Park was one of eight Civic Trust Award winners on Thursday at a ceremony in Brighton.

The park, partly funded by the National Lottery, is a 10km walk along the River Medway from Teston Country Park to the Museum of Kent Life at Cobtree.

"This is a very proud moment," said Mike FitzGerald, Maidstone Borough Council cabinet member for tourism.

'Massive contribution'

"The project brought the community together to mark the new Millennium.

"It has made a massive contribution in the regeneration of the river from old industry to a modern day recreational facility."

The River Park, begun in 1998 and completed in 2001, regenerating the banks of the Medway into a nature park and gardens.

Parkland has been created from 18 acres of wasteland and three new pedestrian bridges criss-cross the route.

The Civic Trust Awards are designed to recognise the best architecture, urban design, landscaping and public art.

It also gave commendations to three other projects in the South East - Horsham Town Centre Redevelopment and The Meadow Project, both in West Sussex, and The Neighbourhood Nursery in Kent.