'Ghost town' to be given a heart

Plans to improve the centre of Gillingham have been unveiled under regeneration plans by Medway Council.

Consultants have proposed a town square as a focal point for the Medway town, with cultural and leisure facilities and a central role for the market.

Robin Cooper, director of regeneration, said housing was key to keeping the area populated after shops closed, when it tended to be a ghost town.

Consultation is now under way, with final decisions due by the end of 2006.

Mr Cooper said: "Gillingham, particularly at night - and it is a little bit like this in Chatham - tends to be a bit dead because people go home.

It's a huge opportunity to change Gillingham for the better Councillor Jane Chitty

"By having more homes over shops and offices we will have a more vibrant town centre."

He said the market was a key feature of the town.

He said: "There are no plans to move it, but we would like to improve it, upgrade it and have more speciality markets."

'Major investment'

A report commissioned by the council called for improved parking provision, a new town square "heart" for the town, improvements to the area near the railway station and a major leisure and cultural venue.

Consultants also wanted improved use of open space near the Black Lion Sports Centre and the Great Lines, and more opportunities for new homes and food and drink outlets.

The report also called for the "concrete collar" road system to be loosened.

Councillor Jane Chitty, spokesman for strategic development and economic growth, said: "Gillingham is in line for major public and private sector investment.

"It's a huge opportunity to change Gillingham for the better."