Message from Cllr Rodney Chambers, Leader of Medway Council

The river is at the heart of Medway in so many ways. The Royal Navy first recognised this in 1547, when our naval legacy lasting for over 400 years first began.

I am continually impressed by Medway’s blend of respect for the past and vision for the future. Chatham’s roots are the foundation and inspiration for this. Chatham Dockyard, for example, achieved global significance at the forefront of technological innovation, and this continues to influence and underpin modern Medway. Medway’s heritage is shaping our vibrant future as a city for the 21st century.

Our future World Heritage Site contains over 60 scheduled ancient monuments and 150 listed buildings. Our completed World Heritage Site bid document demonstrates Chatham’s outstanding merit, and sets out how this will be preserved and promoted. I am gratified by the intensity of our historic environment, and have always, in my entire life, been proud to call Medway home.

Medway Council places great importance on achieving World Heritage Site status, and we are committed to an application at the earliest possible occasion. I would like to extend my thanks to the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust and English Heritage who have generously supported development work. I look forward to World Heritage Site status creating further strong partnerships such as these, in the future.

Cllr Rodney Chambers
Leader of Medway Council