Great Lines Heritage Park, Gillingham

Client: Medway Council

Location: Gillingham, Kent

Value: £680,000

Year of Completion: 2010

Provian Construction has completed the successful delivery of a major public project – the transformation of the Great Lines, Chatham, into the Great Lines Heritage Park.  Great Lines has been a popular recreational space between Chatham and its neighbouring town, Gillingham, for centuries. Covering 70 hectares and bordered by famous heritage sites such as Fort Amherst and the Naval War Memorial, it is a key part of Chatham’s drive to attain World Heritage status for its significant maritime history.

The works follow extensive consultation with local residents throughout 2008, a great deal of planning and a £2 million cash injection from the government’s
Department of Communities and Local Government.  With a multi-disciplinary approach to construction, a history working with Medway Council and a tradition of
success within the South East, Provian Construction was an obvious choice of contractor.  The project saw the transformation of the park into a truly
valuable public asset.

Provian's works involved the creation of a new entrance along with numerous footpaths to connect the neighbouring towns to the park.  Regeneration of four hectares of previously redundant land has allowed it to be opened up to the public whilst shrub clearance has removed cover in a bid to discourage anti-social behaviour.  The installation of bins, seating and signage completed the vastly improved area ready for the public to enjoy. 

To reflect the Medway’s centuries old and continuing military heritage, the parks mixed boundaries of fence, hedge and wall were replaced with a low gabion
wall. These fortifications have been used from the medieval era right up to forward operating bases in Afghanistan, making them a perfect symbol of military
pedigree.

Future works may follow, including a pedestrian bridge connecting Fort Amherst with the Naval War Memorial.  As part of these works Fort Amherst will become a free to enter park from next year.

‘‘The Great Lines has played a significant role in Medway’s history and forms a
major part of Chatham’s World Heritage Site application. Medway Council and the
government’s Department of Communities and Local Government
decision to invest in the Great Lines reflects the outstanding significance of
Chatham's World Heritage and the major role it will play in Medway's future”

Councillor Rodney Chambers, Leader of Medway Council