Medway Council has formalised its approval for the regeneration of an 18-acre industrial estate in Gillingham into Basin3, a state-of-the-art, sustainable employment and enterprise campus.

Following the Medway Planning Committee’s initial approval in May 2024, the decision has now been finalised, clearing the way for Peel Waters, the site’s owner and waterside regeneration specialist, to begin transforming the brownfield site.

The approval marks a significant milestone, supported by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government's decision to allow the planning decision to be managed locally. Peel Waters' ambitious plan envisions approximately 31,000m² of adaptable workspaces at Basin3, which is expected to triple current employment levels, catering to businesses across Medway’s priority growth sectors, including creative, technology, life sciences, and IT.

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Basin3's design emphasises flexible, high-quality waterfront spaces tailored to both established businesses and start-ups. Its strategic location near Medway’s university cluster will support innovation by fostering collaboration and creating new opportunities for local graduates, helping to retain talent within the region.

The project also prioritises sustainability, integrating green technology to ensure energy-efficient buildings and enhancing the site’s flood resilience to future-proof against climate risks. As part of its commitment to sustainable transport, Peel Waters plans to introduce a new half-kilometre waterside footpath and cycleway, improving connectivity between residential areas and making part of Medway’s waterfront accessible to the public for the first time.

The Basin3 project aligns fully with Medway’s statutory development plan and the National Planning Policy Framework, having faced no objections from statutory consultees. With Medway Council’s final approval now in place, the transformation of Basin3 is set to make Gillingham a hub for sustainable business growth, job creation, and environmental innovation.