Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

Policy CS08, the Primary Shopping Area is the preferred location for newretail development. However, given the townscape character and the scale ofdevelopment anticipated, it is unlikely that all of the Borough's retail need canbe accommodated in the existing Primary Shopping Area. For this reason, asite has been allocated for development adjacent to the Primary ShoppingArea to enable future retail need to be met. Details of the key site are in thesection below on the Heritage Quarter.4.6.14 The Town Centre sub-area has an important role in providing for anevening economy to serve the Borough. It is the first priority for the location ofleisure, entertainment, culture and tourism development under Policy CS08and support for the provision of cultural and tourism facilities are given inPolicy CS09. There is scope for new restaurants, cafes, a cinema and hotelsin the town centre, some of which could be accommodated on the HeritageQuarter key site (see below). There may also be potential for provision to bemade on sites to the South of the Town Centre (sub-area 3.3) and details aregiven under the relevant sections. The Council will support proposals whichretain and enhance the evening economy and provide improved leisure,entertainment, cultural and tourism facilities.4.6.15 Given the Borough's ageing population and the increasing number ofresidents locating in and around the town centre over the plan period, therewill be an increasing need for supporting local services. As the town centre isa transport hub with good public transport accessibility, it is a good location forsuch uses, as shown by the success of the Gravesham Gateway as a centralservice hub. The Council will support the retention or enhancement ofservices through Policy CS10 Physical and Social Infrastructure.4.6.16 The Council supports improved public transport provision, includingenhancements to the transport hub at the Gravesend rail station to providehigh quality interchange facilities between bus, rail, walking and cycling (seePolicy CS11 Transport). Planning permission has been granted for anintegrated public transport interchange at Garrick Street/Barrack Rowimmediately adjoining the railway station as well as a multi-storey car park.The one-way system has already been partly diverted. A further diversionwould be required to take it away from Clive Road and create a new89