More than 30,000 new jobs could be created in Ebbsfleet following the announcement of a new commercial centre.
A 45,000m² space, the equivalent of more than 11 acres, has been unveiled alongside seven city parks.
At this stage there are no costings or valuations for the project, although the site is expected to be filled with a mix of business, leisure and housing developments.
It is hoped that the commercial centre will become the “beating heart of the Garden City”, which will physically encompass Ebbsfleet International Station with a park running alongside it.
Sketch of Northfleet riverside
For the first time in a century the River Thames will be opened up to the public with a new promenade to the waterfront.
A series of open spaces will be developed along the River Ebbsfleet with public access across Thames to Gravesham in the east and around the Swanscombe peninsula and Dartford in the west.
New pedestrian bridges and walk and cycle ways will connect Swanscombe, Northfleet and Greenhithe with the rest of the Garden City as eight new urban villages are established alongside existing communities.
Artist's impression of the Garden City
In total, 15,000 homes are expected to be built in Ebbsfleet over the next 15 years, including houses and apartments.
In order to accommodate the population growth, upgrades to the Fastrack bus system have also been proposed, meaning 90 per cent of residents will live within five minutes of a stop.
Michael Cassidy CBE, Chairman of the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, said: “It’s important to point out that our document has the weight of developers, landowners and investors behind it which means this exciting vision for Ebbsfleet Garden City is already becoming a reality.
“The pace of growth in the Garden City over the last 12 months has been impressive with major developers now on site building hundreds of homes.”
In July, a £12million pedestrian and vehicle bridge was approved, linking Springhead Park with Ebbsfleet International Station.
Sketch put forward of the high street
A new primary school in Eastern Quarry, approved in March, is currently under construction and will open to pupils in September 2017.
There are currently seven developers in Ebssfleet creating 860 homes across the Garden City including Redrow’s 180 in Ebbsfleet Green and Countryside’s 123 homes in Springhead Park.
Keepmoat is proposing a further 700 new homes at Northfleet Embankment East but a planning application hasn't been submitted.
The developers are aware of a new plan recently put forward for London Paramount at Swanscombe, which would allow a "dedicated access route from the A2".
Building at Ebbsfleet Garden City (c.) PA
You can see the plans and download a full version at ebbsfleetdc.org.uk
The EDC is also holding a series of open days across the Garden City in October.
The open days will be held at: Millbrook Garden Centre, Southfleet, Saturday, October 1, 10am to 2pm.
The Observatory, Swanscombe , Thursday, October 6, 4pm to 7pm.
Swanscombe and Greenhithe town council hall, Saturday, October 8, 12pm to 4pm.
Ebbsfleet International Station, Wednesday, October 19, 4pm to 7pm.
Northfleet Veterans Club, Saturday, October 29, 10am to 2pm.
No booking is necessary.
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