Work begins shortly on the first phase of improvements to St Andrew’s Gardens in Gravesend.
Funded by section 106 payments from Rosherville Property Development, developers of The Charter, the works centre on the upper gardens and include hard and soft landscaping improvements including additional planting and making the area more accessible through improving paths and steps and introducing new seating.
The project follows a public engagement event at St Andrew’s Gardens last summer, when the proposals were shared and positively received by local people.
Welcoming the work, Cllr Emma Morley, Gravesham Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Operational Services, which covers parks and open spaces, said: “St Andrew’s Gardens are a valued green and quiet space in the heart of the town, that feel underused.
“We’ve been looking at how the gardens can be landscaped to increase public usage of the space and improve views of the river, whilst also improving the link with the town.
“This first phase of work will open up views into and out of the upper gardens and makes them much easier for everyone to access and enjoy.”
The works are being carried out by Verde Landscapes, who have completed similar projects for neighbouring local councils including Tonbridge and Malling and the London Borough of Bexley.
Verde Landscapes said: “We are very much looking forward to working with Gravesham Borough Council to create a usable and inclusive space for locals and visitors alike.
“This first phase of works will create a dramatic change to the space and really allow full use of these vital gardens.”