19 - 10 - 2026
BPTW have led the development of ‘Rainham Reimagined’ a Delivery Plan for Medway Council that aims to shape the future of Rainham town centre. Launched in August of this year, BPTW worked alongside Tuckey Design Studio, Ian Sayer & Co and Hyas Associates. The document establishes the character of Rainham town centre and identifies an initial set of opportunities for change, translating local aspirations into a deliverable programme and providing a basis for future investment and partnerships.
Aerial vision image of Rainham Reimagined
Partner of Urban Design, Scott Adams led the workshop sessions during Rainham Town Centre Partnership meetings that helped shape the study. Alongside associate of Urban Design Naike Zambotti and Urban Design Assistant Theodora Shum. The six month engagement programme placed community voices at the centre. Workshops, surveys and youth engagement sessions gathered more than 170 ideas to help create a shared vision for Rainham’s future.
Buildings & Spaces, Movement & Destinations, and Community & Belonging.
The vision is centred on creating a town centre where people choose to spend more time: one that is easier to navigate on foot, supports independent businesses, celebrates local heritage and offers welcoming spaces for community activities and events. To deliver this vision, the plan focuses on three aspirations:
Orchard Square: A new central square
At the centre of the proposals is the transformation of Orchard Square into a vibrant central square. Improvements include enhanced planting, lighting, public art, improved wayfinding and infrastructure to support markets, events and community gatherings. As one of the few town centre spaces directly owned by the council, Orchard Square represented a significant opportunity to create a welcoming destination and become a catalyst for wider regeneration.
Improving High Street Connections
A series of targeted public realm improvements along the High Street will strengthen links between the town’s key destinations. Enhanced crossings, greening, wayfinding and improved pedestrian routes will make the town centre more accessible and enjoyable. This aims to increase connections across Orchard Square, and the conservation areas within Rainham.
The Three Trails
Three themed walking routes will connect Rainham’s most distinctive destinations: the Heritage Trail, Station Trail and Cozenton Trail. Incorporating public art, and landscape improvements, these routes aim to celebrate local identity while encouraging residents and visitors to explore further than the High Street.
Aerial vision image of Rainham’s area of focus: Orchard Square
The Delivery Plan provides a phased roadmap for investment: Short and long term ambitions have been set out for the local plan as well as mapping out a series of potential funding routes to support in the implementation of these. Medway Council has a clear framework for future investment while ensuring Rainham’s evolution remains firmly rooted in the priorities of its community.
Through Rainham Reimagined, BPTW has helped create a community-led vision that celebrates Rainham’s heritage while establishing a connected and inclusive town centre.