The first phase of the transformation of St Andrew’s Gardens, Gravesend, has been officially opened by the Mayor of Gravesham, Cllr Jenny Wallace.
Work started earlier this year on the upper section around the Queen’s statue, following a public engagement event last summer.
It has included hard and soft landscaping, additional planting, and making the area more accessible through improving paths, modified steps and new seating.
Cllr Emma Morley, Gravesham Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Operational Services, said: “The first part of the works has transformed the upper area, making it more welcoming and easier for all to enjoy the gardens.
“It has created the potential for St Andrew’s to be used for community events and has been funded entirely from external sources.
“When we announced the first phase, we promised to work to secure additional funding to similarly transform the lower area, and I am pleased to say that is now in place.
The works to St Andrew’s Gardens are funded through contributions from Lower Thames Crossing, Section 106 funding, and the Local Regeneration Fund - formerly Levelling Up Fund - which is being used to deliver a series of projects.
The funding will also be used to improve facilities at the adjacent St Andrews Arts Centre, which has recently been hosted by local brewery Iron Pier, and develop a study for improving the road link running along the river from West Street to harmer Street.
A report on the £3.5m funding package was presented to the Council’s Cabinet on 3 November.
Other plans include improvements to the public realm on New Road, King Street and Clive Road, and to develop new community, event and business space at the St George’s Centre.
More information about these projects can be found on the Cabinet agenda from 3 November 2025.
Additional Pride in Place funding of £1.5m has also recently been allocated to Gravesham and will be used to deliver further improvements across the Borough.
Shaun Pidcock, Programme Director for Lower Thames Crossing said: “The Lower Thames Crossing will not only connect people to places and work, it will connect local communities to their heritage and green spaces.
“It was a privilege to be able to contribute to the redevelopment of St Andrew’s Gardens, and work with local people to uncover some of its history.”
Cllr Morley added: “We are proud of Gravesend’s links to the Thames and these and future planned improvements to St Andrew’s will make it the perfect place for residents and visitors alike to relax and connect with the river.”