Medway's transformation towards proposed city status
We were delighted to welcome Medway Council's Deputy Chief Executive, Richard Hicks, to our Future Cities Forum at City Hall, London this week where he joined a panel discussion on "infrastructure as destination" with Allies and Morrison, Network Rail and Manchester Airports Group. We were also able to record an interview with him on the balcony overlooking Tower Bridge.
Richard talked about Medway's important campaign for 'city status' which is an essential part of the council's place-making strategy. He reflected on the developments that have occurred in Medway since the 1980's when Chatham Dockyard closed and the subsequent renaissance of the area.
Transformation Richard says has brought many tourists (4.6 million a year) to the famous towns with their history dating back to Norman times as well as investment from engaged partners and developers.
The future will concentrate on developing connectivity despite having an already excellent train service and encouraging companies to relocate attracted by the high quality work spaces available and the rich talent pool coming out of the area's four universities.
Watch Richard's interview above which starts with his reaction to our event, 'The Making of the Modern City'.