Gillingham’s town centre plans move from display to delivery

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-07-30 10:47 3 min read

A furry tan horse mascot wearing a blue sports jersey waves at the camera.

More than 5,500 people attended Gillingham’s Big Day Out this month, where residents saw plans for a major town-centre makeover alongside live music, markets, performances and family activities.

The event formed part of the Love Gillingham weekend, which began with the Medway Mile. More than 2,500 people took part in the one-mile run from Brompton Road to Medway Park athletics track, with participants able to walk, jog or run at their own pace.

Civic Square work is due to start this autumn

The most significant project showcased during the weekend was the proposed Civic Square, planned for the central section of the High Street between Sappers Walk and Green Street.

The £500,000 scheme is funded through the Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund. Work is expected to begin in autumn 2026, with completion targeted for February 2027.

Plans include new light columns, planted areas, seating, infrastructure for markets and events, CCTV and creative art installations. Nearby public toilets are also due to be refurbished.

For people using the High Street, the changes are intended to create a more usable space for everyday visits, community events and local trading. The council has not provided a confirmed start date or detailed construction timetable beyond the autumn target.

Murals and military history added to the High Street

A new “Welcome to Gillingham” mural was unveiled at Railway Bridge. The work was created by commissioned street artist Luke Smile and is one of several murals planned over the next year through £5,000 of funding from the Gillingham Town Centre Enablement Fund.

The same fund supported refurbishment of the Sappers Walk sign and related fabrications. A new plaque created by the Royal Engineers was unveiled to mark the area’s military history.

The plaque was presented by Major Ben Glazebrook and Naushabah Khan, MP for Gillingham and Rainham. The projects combine improvements to the appearance of the town centre with visible reminders of Gillingham’s local heritage.

Big Day Out brought events across Balmoral Gardens

The third annual Big Day Out was described as the biggest so far, with activities held across the High Street and Balmoral Gardens. The programme included live music, wrestling, street performers, creative workshops and a children’s zone with rides and a free pottery workshop.

Visitors could also browse European Market stalls and food and drink stands run by local businesses. A heritage trail led by local historian Rob Flood sold out.

The event was opened by Medway Council deputy leader Cllr Teresa Murray and delivered with support from the Gillingham Taskforce, Friends of Balmoral Community Group, Medway Youth Services and councillors representing Gillingham North, Gillingham South and Watling wards.

Taskforce measures already affecting the town centre

The Big Day Out also publicised the work of the Gillingham Taskforce, which brings together councillors, Kent Police and Medway Council officers under the leadership of Naushabah Khan.

Measures already introduced or funded include eight new CCTV cameras in the High Street, an ANPR camera trial and extended parking restrictions in the pedestrianised High Street from 6.30pm to midnight.

Article 4 Directions have been introduced in Gillingham North, Gillingham South and Watling wards to place tighter local restrictions on Houses in Multiple Occupation. The council has also secured £100,000 to improve street cleaning in Gillingham and Chatham town centres, including an additional street operative and daily sweeping of the High Street.

Since 1 January 2026, police presence in the High Street has increased to address anti-social behaviour. A Gillingham Community Network of local residents and businesses is also being established to help shape the town-centre vision and action plan.

A further market day on Saturday 18 July featured 14 general-market traders and 13 European Market stalls. Gillingham Market, which has operated for more than 30 years, continues every Monday and Saturday from 9am to 4pm.

Source: Medway Council

Context & actions About this article

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The article was checked against the council’s account of Love Gillingham events, regeneration plans, funding and taskforce measures.

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Confirmed the Medway Mile and Big Day Out attendance figures and July dates.
Checked the Civic Square location, £500,000 funding and autumn 2026 to February 2027 timet...
Checked the listed CCTV, parking, housing, cleaning and police measures.
Separated confirmed project plans from details that remain subject to future scheduling.

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