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Medway UK City of Culture 2025 bid backed by Kitchener Barracks developer TopHat

A developer behind a 300-home army barracks project has thrown its weight behind Medway's City of Culture bid.

TopHat has built apartments and houses at the 18th century Kitchener Barracks, off Dock Road, Chatham.

It is now looking for buyers and as part of its sales pitch has released a seven-minute video celebrating life in Medway.

The development is built on the site of the former barracks
The development is built on the site of the former barracks
Kitchener Barracks is made up of more than 300 houses and apartments
Kitchener Barracks is made up of more than 300 houses and apartments
An artist's impressions of Kitchener Barracks
An artist's impressions of Kitchener Barracks

Featured are the likes of Genevieve Tullberg from creative charity Nuclear Arts who thinks "creativity is booming" in the Towns.

Copper Rivet owner Bob Russell, who makes gin in a 19th century pump house at Chatham Dockyard, is also included as is the dockyard's assistant chief executive Paul Barnard.

Mayor of Medway Habib Tejan
Mayor of Medway Habib Tejan

While mayor of Medway Cllr Habib Tejan (Con) proudly declares: "Medway is the fastest growing economic powerhouse in the south east. Property is 26% cheaper than anywhere else in the region which is bringing lots of investors here.

"It is a thriving waterfront city and a great place to live, work and play."

TopHat has now lent its support to Medway's recently announced bid to be UK City of Culture — a title previously held by Hull and currently by Coventry — which would see a year of events held in the Towns and millions of pounds of investment flood into the area.

Spencer Fortag head shot (15230102)
Spencer Fortag head shot (15230102)

TopHat sales manager Spencer Fortag, who also features in the video, said: "TopHat recognises that Medway offers huge opportunities to people living and working in the region.

"Characterised by high quality educational institutions and brilliant local employment opportunities, Medway is also home to a thriving creative and entrepreneurial scene.

"It was for these reasons that in 2015, TopHat identified Chatham as the ideal location for our innovative flagship residential development, Kitchener Barracks.

"Four years later, TopHat is thrilled to be delivering new homes to the area, and creating a new community. TopHat fully support Medway in their bid for City of Culture 2025. With the area's rich military, artistic and literary history, Medway would be well deserving of this accolade."

Kitchener Barracks in 2013
Kitchener Barracks in 2013
Kitchener Barracks being demolished
Kitchener Barracks being demolished
Lord Kitchener's statue at the site off Dock Road, Chatham
Lord Kitchener's statue at the site off Dock Road, Chatham

Constructed in 1757 and previously known as Chatham Infantry Barracks, it was used as accommodation by the Royal School of Military Engineering until June 2014. The barracks were then sold by the MoD.

The historic buildings are being converted and a further 101 new flats are being built.

The statue of former field marshall Lord Kitchener, which stood in Khartoum, Sudan until 1960; the outer walls; and the listed parade ground will remain as part of the new development.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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