HISTORY RESPECTED DESIGN DISCOVERED Positioned on top of the hill overlooking some of the town’s most impressive scenery, Kitchener Barracks has a special place in Chatham’s history. This iconic site has a rich military heritage and a distinctive character. Now, over 250 years since the barracks buildings were originally built, this fascinating landmark is being transformed into a vibrant new community HISTORY COMES TO LIFE Dating from 1757 and named after been referenced throughout the Earl Kitchener in 1928, the site is design of the new neighbourhood, an important local landmark and a with updated and refurbished significant piece of Britain’s history. buildings taking centre stage and Kitchener Barracks is the second mature greenery being given oldest military site in Medway a new lease of life. All of this and was most recently used as combines to create a thriving new accommodation for the Royal neighbourhood where history School of Military Engineering. comes to life. This fascinating heritage has External image is computer generated and indicative only. 4 5 External image is computer generated and indicative only. AT THE FOREFRONT OF INNOVATION Innovative thinking and a passion as underfloor heating, solar panels for creating great places to live is and a heat recovery system) to at the heart of the reinvention of make everyday life enjoyable Kitchener Barracks. and keep household bills to a minimum. The outdoor areas Groundbreaking technology and have been beautifully landscaped sleek design come together to so you can make the most of the restore some of the site’s original neighbourhoods unique setting, features and to create striking new and new cycle paths and walkways spaces. Every aspect has been have been created to promote carefully considered to make this a sustainable travel which open beautiful place to come home to. up opportunities to explore the The homes have been designed surrounding area. with cutting-edge features (such 6 7 External image is computer generated and indicative only. SPACE TO BREATHE Newly-planted trees mix with this green park is a central historic greenery to create hub for people to gather and brilliant outdoor spaces that socialise - the perfect place for everyone can enjoy. The a picnic with family and friends. original lime tree avenue on There’s also a heritage trail, a Khartoum Road provides sensory garden, a playground a beautiful, leafy walkway and a viewpoint which offers through the neighbourhood. some impressive views of Just off of this avenue is the the skyline and the world Parade Ground. Situated at famous historic dockyard. the heart of the community 8 9 WHAT’S THE STORY EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK YOU’RE SURROUNDED BY REMINDERS OF BRITAIN’S HISTORY. Fort Amherst sits proudly at the here to protect the dock. site’s entrance and is Britain’s The original Barrack Building biggest Napoleonic Fortress. was joined by the Khartoum It’s been here for over 300 Building in 1938 and additional years, along with its impressive blocks were built later in the parkland. It’s a prominent part 1960s, all of which surrounded of Chatham’s skyline, alongside the Parade Ground. All of Kitchener Barracks. these wonderful elements are retained today, both physically Established in the 18th century and by sympathetic design as a traditional military base features which preserve the (known then as Chatham 18th century character of the Infantry Barracks) the barracks site whilst cleverly modernising was home to a number of it for 21st century living. officers who were stationed 10 11 Clock Tower atop the Khartoum building THE LEGEND OF LORD KITCHENER This development retains its Battle of Omdurman and the original name because of reoccupation of Khartoum in the important history it holds. 1898. Lord Kitchener served in Named after Lord Horatio Sudan and India until 1914 when Kitchener, a British military war broke out and he returned leader famous for his role as to Britain. At the start of the war Secretary of State for War he embarked on a recruitment during World War One, the drive, producing a world- site retains his statue at the famous poster which is now entrance. Lord Kitchener one of the most iconic images was the first ever soldier to of the 20th century. It resulted hold the post of Secretary in two million volunteers and a of State for War following a number of ‘Kitchener armies’ string of high-profile positions across the country. including his pivotal role in the 12 13 DISCOVER THE HEART OF MEDWAY CHATHAM A TOWN THAT HAS IT ALL It’s so close to the City and designer labels in the Dockside yet it maintains a relaxed and Outlet Centre. There are a natural setting. The Great Lines host of waterside restaurants Heritage Park is a few steps around the marina to enjoy from your front door and is one too. Elsewhere in the town of Medway’s most impressive you’ve got plenty of activities green spaces. This land once and attractions to choose protected Chatham Dockyards from: take the family to (one of the country’s see the latest movie at the largest naval dockyards). Odeon cinema, watch a West End show at the Central or The dockyard, which was Brook theatre, indulge in a closed in 1984, is now a busy spot of retail therapy at the visitor attraction where you Pentagon shopping centre can spend the day admiring or simply soak up Chatham’s historic warships, relaxing maritime heritage. by the marina or browsing 16 17 DISCOVER A TASTE SENSATION The town centre is only a short walk away and has a wide range of restaurants serving everything from spice-infused exotic dishes to traditional pub fare. There are a number of popular eateries including: Trattoria Marcella (Mediterranean), Gurkha’s Brother (Indian and Nepaleses fine dining) and Tiger Moth (flame-grilled steaks). You’ll also find plenty of well-known restaurant chains as well as traditional pubs and modern bars to try including the Ship & Trades and The Command House which offers panoramic views of the River Medway. 18 19 EXCELLENT EDUCATION There are a number of private education in the form excellent schools nearby. of Chatham Grammar School For younger families there’s for Girls. This well-established Benjamin Rabbit Nursery, school currently educates which is just a five-minute nearly 1,000 pupils aged drive from Kitchener Barracks 11-18. The nearby Holcombe and has a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating. Grammar School also has an And for those looking for unsurpassed reputation and secondary education there’s provides secondary education Greenacre Academy, a boys’ to boys and a co-educational secondary and sixth form sixth form, whilst the prestigious school, which is approximately Kings School in Rochester is a ten-minute drive away and one of the best private schools has a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating. in the country. Chatham also offers excellent 20 21 AN INSPIRING PLACE TO BE One of the Medway’s most round. Rochester is most popular attractions is historic known for its connection to Rochester, which is within Charles Dickens; the beloved walking distance and only five author lived here and some minutes by car.. This idyllic of his most famous stories postcard town, has quaint (including Great Expectations) cobbled lanes, an ancient were inspired by the town. cathedral, stunning waterside Unsurprisingly, he remains views and an impressive an important figure here and Norman castle which towers is celebrated today with the over the skyline. annual Dickens Festival, which takes place every summer. While there’s definitely a There are a number of other Medieval charm to this festivals to enjoy too including characterful town, it also Sweeps Festival and the has an array of modern Castle Concerts (a four-day amenities and an up-to-date music event in the grounds of events calendar that keeps Rochester Castle). visitors entertained all year ROCHESTER 22 23 A VIBRANT HUB Rochester has a bustling café Mrs Tickit’s Pantry and The culture, rows of independent Rochester Coffee Co. There boutiques and quirky galleries are also a number of popular to explore. The Baggins Book restaurants and pubs dotted Bazaar, the biggest second- throughout the town including hand book store in England, The Flippin’ Frog micropub, is a popular haunt for both Topes (which serves up tourists and locals as is the modern British cuisine) and Huguenot Museum. And after the popular steak and lobster a day of browsing there are restaurant Brettingtons. plenty of places to take a break and grab a coffee including 24 25 KENT EXPLORE THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND Kent is a diverse county with every terrain you can think of; from enchanting countryside and ancient woodland to dramatic chalk cliffs and rugged coastlines. Kitchener Barracks is within easy reach of all of this so whether you love hiking through nature trails or diving into the deep blue, there’s always something to keep you occupied. 26 27 One of the best ways to explore It’s also no coincidence that the area is by water. Medway Kent is referred to as ‘The Watersports is less than a ten- Garden of England’. Within the minute drive away and offers county there are over 4,000 a range of activities including miles of public footpaths to sailing, power boating, canoeing discover which weave their way and kayaking. There are plenty through picturesque parkland, of other ways to get to know the wild woodland and breathtaking coastline: a trip to Botany Bay countryside. From nature reserves for a surf lesson, a walk around teeming with wildlife to pretty Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour parks to admire, there is natural Marina to soak up the stunning beauty to discover everywhere.