Leader of Gravesham council shuts down rumours surrounding future of The Charter development in Gravesend

A local authority has shut down rumours that its multi-million pound regeneration project has been sold to London boroughs.

Leader of Gravesham council, Cllr John Burden, addressed the situation at The Charter development at a council meeting last night.

KentOnline revealed last week that work had stopped at the 242-home scheme, in Gravesend town centre, after the firm buidling it, Henry Construction, had collapsed into administration.

Work on The Charter, which is divided between plots on the former Market Square and Horn Yard car parks, began in March 2021 after being granted planning permission in 2020.

The buildings were meant to be complete and ready for viewing by autumn this year but at the start of this month people living in the area became aware little was happening.

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Rumours have since been rife within the community with many believing the council was in occupancy talks with London boroughs and had already sold the building to Lewisham council.

But these have now been shut down by Cllr Burden (Lab) at the full council meeting last night (June 20) who has confirmed this is not true.

Responding to a written question from the member of the public asking about the current situation, he said: “Work on The Charter development has temporarily paused after the main construction contractor, Henry Construction, a significant player of scale in the UK market, went into administration.

“The council’s investment in the project is protected by the terms of the development agreement in place with our development partners Reef Group and Rosherville Ltd.

“Reef and Rosherville are working on viable options to complete work at The Charter. A number have been identified which are being examined in detail ahead of any decision being made.

“Regular meetings are taking place between Rosherville, Reef and lead officers from the council to consider the practical, technical and legal aspects of the situation and how best to progress the project.

“I can confirm that neither the council, nor Rosherville Ltd, have had any discussions or entered into arrangements with any London boroughs, or any borough, district or other local authority from anywhere else in the country, with regards future occupancy of the apartments.

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“Under this administration, no such discussions will be held or arrangements considered at any time. I would like to add that, contrary to rumours, the development is wholly-owned by Rosherville Ltd, this council’s own commercial trading company.

“It is not owned by, and nor has it been built for or in collaboration with, any London borough, or any borough, district or other local authority, from anywhere else in the country.

“All 242 apartments will be available to rent on the open market, and we will be adopting a local-first marketing strategy when the apartments become available.”

The town centre development is a key part of Gravesham council’s masterplan to breathe new life into the area.

It is not yet known how long the work will be delayed for.