From barges and tugs to galleons and clippers, Gravesham Borough Council has launched a call for vessels to visit Gravesend’s historic quayside.
The move comes after Lightship 21, which has been moored at the quayside since 2016 moved to a new home in Medway, having seen a reduction in openings to the public this year, with activities limited to the Gravesham Light Festival in January and Franklin Festival in August.
Gravesham Borough Council now wants to attract a range of vessels to this unique mooring, many of which may have historic links to the town. LV21’s departure will also reopen the panoramic views of the Estuary, as seen from St Andrew’s Gardens for centuries.
The opportunity comes just weeks after the Waverley, the world’s only working paddle steamer, moored at the adjacent Town Pier for several weeks over the late summer, hosting over 2,000 day-trippers.
Earlier in the summer, the Spanish Galleon Andalucía made Gravesend its home as over 4,000 visitors boarded the impressive replica vessel, with a further 15,000 coming to view it from the shore.
The current owners of the Town Pier, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, recently announced plans to redevelop it into a food and drink destination, with the Pier reopened for the first time in several years for a pop-up café and art space during October.
Further events are planned over the winter.
Cllr John Burden, Leader of Gravesham Borough Council, said: “While it is sad to see LV21 depart having established itself as a landmark in Gravesend, this is a real opportunity to attract a range of vessels to help highlight our rich maritime history.
“It comes at a time when a range of projects are coming together to really reconnect Gravesend with The Thames.”
The mooring is at the heart of Gravesend’s cultural quayside, home to St Andrew’s Art Centre, housed in a unique 19th century Mission Church and which has recently been operating as the Fourth Portal.
Plans are now being developed to improve facilities at the site and secure a longer-term tenancy and regular public access to the building.
Gravesham Council is also looking into external funding to provide significant investment in improving public realm alongside the quayside, including the relandscaping of St Andrew’s Gardens and improvements to road and pedestrian access.
The plans coincide with efforts to restore the Gravesend to Tilbury Ferry, following the sudden closure of the service in April this year.
Bodies including Gravesham Borough Council, Kent County Council, Thurrock Council, the Port of London Authority (PLA), Thames Freeport, the Port of Tilbury, National Highways, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, Jetstream and the Thames Estuary Growth Board have co-funded a transport study, led by Watermans Group, which is due to be completed later this month.
The study will assess the long-term viability of the service and outline potential business models.
Cllr Burden added: “Gravesend’s historic riverfront is a jewel in the borough’s crown, and our future plans for the quayside will breathe new life into this beautiful Thameside location.
“Visiting ships now have the opportunity to make the most of the fully serviced quayside, as well as Gravesend Town Pier.”
Owners of vessels interested in mooring on Gravesend Riverside should contact mail.property@gravesham.gov.uk.