Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

egeneration and growth in the area. It further seeks an improvement in thequality and an expansion of visitor accommodation in the Borough through:• new hotel development with proximity to the town centre and riversideor close to the A2;• encouraging new bed and breakfast start-ups; and• investigating the expansion of other forms of visitor accommodation.5.3.9 The Tourism Strategy indicates the potential for cruise liner provision tohelp bring visitors into the Borough and this is supported through policy CS11Transport.5.3.10 Furthermore, the Council's draft Cultural Strategy 2008 sets out to:• ensure an appropriate range and distribution of high quality cultural andleisure facilities across the Borough; and• make the area more attractive to incomers and also as a touristdestination.5.3.11 The evidence suggests that there is scope for new branded/familyrestaurants and cafes and a new cinema, either a small multiplex or anarthouse/independent cinema, in Gravesend town centre and at Ebbsfleet 19 . Italso suggests that there is a case for providing a combined GraveshamMuseum and Visitor Centre, ideally in the heart of Gravesend town centre 20 .Studies also indicate that Gravesham could experience a significant increasein demand for hotel accommodation. This could be met by new 3 or 4 starhotels at Ebbsfleet and by new budget and 3 star hotels in Gravesend,particularly in the town centre and close to the A2/arterial routes 21 .5.3.12 Clearly there are opportunities to improve Gravesham's cultural andtourism offer but the lack of specific deliverable projects makes it difficult to bemore definitive at the current time. The installation of new projectionequipment at The Woodville and art house type cinema showings at the OldTown Hall assist in meeting demand for cinema in Gravesham whilst anyneed for branded/family restaurants is dealt with under policy CS08. The19 Retail and Commercial Leisure Study 200920 A Museum for Gravesham – Feasibility Study 201021 Gravesend Hotel Market Fact File 2011 and Kent Thameside Hotel Futures Study 2007135