NEW developers believe they can seize the chance to move on to Rochester Riverside after Wimpey suddenly pulled out. KTI Energy is hopeful it may now get the opportunity to become involved in the development after the construction giant decided not to go ahead.

KTI has its own £1 billion-plus scheme for a tram network called Medway Tramlink, houses, shops and restaurants.

Managing director Bill Temple-Pediani said: "I am delighted because the development is in severe conflict with Medway Tramlink and our additional proposals.

We have proposals for an alternative development of this site as a financial, economic and cultural centre of north Kent."

Building plans for the 70-acre site was thrown into turmoil last month after Wimpey became the second company in a year, after Berkeley Homes, to reject the scheme.

Medway Council now has to find another partner to get the project off the ground.

The site is earmarked for a mixed development including homes, businesses and a hotel and leisure area. Bedfordshire-based KTI wants use the area as the crossroads for the routes of a proposed £300 million Medway tram network.

It also wants a theatre/concert hall, restaurants, health clubs, bars, upmarket shops and waterfront residences.

Mr Temple-Pediani wants to bring the KTI proposals to the Government, Medway Council and SEEDA (South East England Development Agency) and have them available for public scrutiny. He has also written to Lord Falconer, Minister for Planning and Housing, urging the Government to rethink the Rochester Riverside Masterplan.

The Minister has committed £15 million to the project through the South East England Development Agency.

Mr Temple-Pediani said: "We want to change the present seedy image to that of an exciting location where people want to live, work, and play. Medway Tramlink is part of the regenerative process to provide non-polluting pubic transport in a region where the rail system is worn out, bus services are inadequate and cars choke roads."

A Medway Council spokesperson said: "Over the next few months the council will be reviewing how the Rochester Riverside project is to be taken forward. The withdrawal of Wimpey has given us the opportunity to reassess the development. All options will be examined, including the uses proposed by KTI Energy Ltd, transport provision and the means by which the development will proceed.

"It is premature to consider only one option at this stage and we are always pleased to receive proposals. They will all be given serious consideration."