Much-needed improvements to a historic green space in Chatham have reached completion.

Town Hall Gardens in Rope Walk, near the Brook Theatre, has been given a £323,000 makeover by Medway Council.

The changes include a new entrance and 45-metre long footpath at the corner of Whiffens Avenue, replacing a muddy shortcut to the Great Lines Heritage Park.

Other improvements include the addition of new benches and an upgraded children’s play area, featuring “castles and dragons” themed multi-play units, swings and a carousel.

The scheme was first announced in late 2023 when the council asked the public for their views on a masterplan.

The works were funded by £323,653 of developer contributions, known as Section 106, from the 115-home Garrison Point development next to the gardens.

Town Hall Gardens was one of the first public gardens opened in Chatham, dating back to 1905.

The site was historically used as a rope works for the dockyard, and in 1828 it was turned into a graveyard when the grounds at St Mary’s Church in Dock Road became overcrowded.

Further improvements to the gardens will include enhanced flower beds, although a date has not yet been set.

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