Clifton Slipways, Gravesend, Kent

The scheme will create a landmark way-finding building, forming a sense of arrival along the Thames into Gravesend, and creating a positive addition to the emerging skyline along the Thames. It would also restore the historic Victorian pier and create a new public realm in an area that is currently derelict and inaccessible and improve connectivity for people to experience the Thames and its riverfront. The team felt it was crucially important to create a long-term viable future for the historic pier, reconnecting people with the river, and creating spaces for small commercial units, holiday lets, and a café at the end of the pier.

The site forms part of the rich heritage fabric that exists on Gravesend’s waterfront. The town was hugely popular with Londoners as s tourist destination and had sole right to transport passengers to and from London along The Thames. Over 3 million passengers were served between 1835 and 1842 before the railway was opened.

ETLA was commissioned to undertake the Landscape Design of the open space, public square and restoration of the jetty space. We also undertook the Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment (TVIA), produced the verified wireline views and supported the heritage team by providing additional wireline views to address points raised by Historic England.