Plans to transform a derelict harbour into a new riverside park and unlock access to the north Kent waterfront have been given a £3 million boost.

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation has approved funds to create a new community green space along the Thames in Northfleet.

The board, which is behind plans for 15,000 homes in Ebbsfleet Garden City, says the cash will be used to acquire key land and undertake detailed feasibility and design work around the harbour.

It will pave the way for the transformation of the largely derelict site and add a new plaza with new apartments, eateries, waterside business space and other community use.

The Northfleet Riverside Park project will see the promenade, dubbed "Bevan's Wharf" developed in stages as and when land becomes available.

Developers say they want to create a "vibrant waterside leisure destination" for residents and visitors, while also maintaining its industrial character and retaining key historical features.

The area has been identified as having a "chronic shortage" of green space, estimated at 74% less than the national average for a residential neighbourhood.

Current planning permissions within Ebbsfleet include a wide range of parks and open spaces that will cover nearly half of the city area.

That is the equivalent of more than 1,000 football pitches, or 42 Bluewater shopping centres.

Ian Piper, chief executive of EDC, said: “This new park is one of seven proposed by the corporation throughout the Garden City as we connect up places, and provide residents and the wider community with fantastic places to visit.

“Our long term aim is to create a riverside park that will provide joggers, walkers and cyclists with a route from Gravesend to Northfleet as well as allow people to view parts of the Thames that haven’t been seen in more than 100 years as part of our vision to open the Garden City and maintain healthy and active lifestyles.”

To find out more about the parks planned in Ebbsfleet Garden City click here.

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