Investment and Regeneration | Opening Opportunities The Thames Gateway Kent Partnership is driving forward North KentÕs place in one of EuropeÕs largest regeneration projects - the Thames Gateway. T hames Gateway Kent Partnership (TGKP) works to bring together the communities from Dartford and Gravesham in the west, through Medway and east into Swale. The Partnership is designed to bring clarity and agreement on the strategic way forward for the area within the wider Thames Gateway -which embraces London and Essex. Membership includes the three local regeneration organisations (Kent Thameside, Medway Renaissance and Swale Forward), SEEDA, Kent County Council, Medway Council and partners from the private and voluntary sector. TGKP ensures that all sectors Ð public, private and voluntary Ð pull in the same direction. Since formation in 2001, TGKP has taken a regional perspective and developed the North Kent Area Investment Framework (AIF). The AIF helped to secure £210m to support 47 key projects to transform the opportunities and fabric of North Kent. At the heart of Thames Gateway Kent is a commitment to stimulating development, innovation and employment, as well as enhancing education and skills opportunities. The multi-million pound ÔUniversities at Medway initiative has created a superb shared campus at Chatham Maritime with plans for more than 10,000 students by 2012. To improve green spaces and the natural environment, the area has received £10m through the Thames Gateway Parklands initiative to deliver five major parkland projects over two and a half years. Work is underway to finish new and improved footpaths, cycleways and visitor facilities, as well new wildlife-rich habitats. The regeneration of the Thames Gateway is a project that will transform the lives of thousands, but it won t be achieved overnight. David Liston-Jones, Chief Executive of TGKP, said: The current economic downturn will obviously lead to delays for some build projects here, as in the rest of the country. But a great deal has already been achieved in transforming the area and developing effective partnership working. Our long terms plans and vision remain on track. Tel. 01634 338148 www.tgkp.org Crossways Business Park