Debate over 32-storey tower due to take place (From News Shopper)

Debate over 32-storey tower due to take place

5:00pm Friday 3rd October 2008 in

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CONTROVERSIAL plans for a regeneration project have split residents - News Shopper heard both sides of the argument before an official debate.

Three groups have been given permission to put their points across about a 32-storey tower which is part of a £150m project which would be built within the heart of Gravesend's Heritage Quarter.

The debate is due to take place on Ocotber 7 at a Gravesham Council meeting at the Civic Centre in Windmill Street, Gravesend.

Gravesham Labour Party and civic society, Urban Gravesham, are both against the plans, while Yes to Gravesend is due to put their points across in favour of them.

Yes to Gravesend is made up of 10 people who run businesses within Gravesend.

Spokesman Philip Hales said the main points the group was due to raise was how they believe the development will bring future economic benefit to the town.

Mr Hales said: "Over the next 10 to 15 years Gravesham will be competing with Ebbsfleet and if this project doesn't go ahead then we don't know when the next opportunity will come."

The owner of True Hairdressing based in Gravesend's High Street, added: "I love the idea of the tower because it would all be built on space which isn't being used very efficiently at the moment and it's modern and a contrast to what already exists."

Developer Edinburgh House Estates Ltd is also proposing to build walkways leading to the river, underground car parks, a new town square, a hotel, restaurants and offices.

The plans consist of 120,000sq ft of retail space and 30,000sq ft of leisure and office space and the developer says the scheme will create around 1,000 jobs.

Urban Gravesham is made up of a group of residents who are against the project.

Group spokesman Martin Mckay, said among the points the group would be raising were the number of jobs the project would create and the size of the flats.

The resident of East Terrace also said the group was due to present a petition signed by around 5,000 people.

The 46-year-old said: "It is a vast tower and totally destructive of the cultural character of the town and in economic terms we think people will hate it."

Subject to planning approval, work is expected to start early next year and the whole scheme should be complete by 2013.