‘As public art consultants, FrancisKnight were appointed to work with LDA Design, Project Centre and Medway Council on the Chatham Placemaking Masterplan to produce a creative public realm strategy to enhance the masterplan and to add a sense of place and purpose to the spaces.’

Charles Dickens writes about an enduring military presence on the streets of Chatham. “They walked about the streets in rows or bodies, carrying their heads in exactly the same way, and doing exactly the same thing with their limbs”. “Men were only noticeable by scores, by hundreds, by thousands, rank and file, companies and regiments, detachments, vessels full for exportation”. 

These closely observed characteristics, still playing out on the streets of Chatham until very recently, suggest that an echo of these patterns of movement and symmetric formations, displays and manoeuvres are still extant in the pavements, streets, and roads. Perhaps this evocative memory could be recalled in new paving finishes and interventions in the street scene. 

This creative interpretation not only brings a site-responsive and contemporary narrative to the project, but also dovetails with and adds to a strategic and deliberate approach to inherent wayfinding and placemaking, assisting and strengthening the pedestrian route and the local and visitor experience.

This concept applies to the entire Placemaking Masterplan, setting a blueprint for a programme of temporary and permanent commissions to roll out in a phased approach over the development period.  

An evolving linear narrative – a story about Chatham, was drawn out from within the pavements and pedestrian areas associated with the route. Referencing the nearby Chatham Lines, this new ‘Town Line’ could demonstrate a series of distinct, yet inter-related events, thresholds and experiences along its course. As interpretive interventions, they will evoke a narrative of resonant references to Chatham itself, becoming a part of the fabric of the street. Where the Chatham Lines were built as defensive structures, this new line will be resolutely enabling and welcoming. 

FrancisKnight appointed Christopher Tipping as Lead Artist to collaborate on this process. 

‘How can Chatham’s unique history and culture be the starting point for imagining its future, alongside an understanding of how its economy currently functions and what is required to improve it?’. FrancisKnight Public Art Consultants.

Medway Council has been awarded £4million of government funding to help regenerate Chatham and make it a better place for residents, workers and visitors. The funding will mark the start of an exciting new project, which will create an easier journey for pedestrians and cyclists from Chatham railway station to the waterfront bus station and town centre. Improvements will also be made to key anchor sites along the route at New Cut Junction, St John's Square, Military Square and Military Road.