CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

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Make this your Hoppy-est Easter ever! Lindt brings Easter to life with a magical adventure trail for children in the Guildhall until the 21st April. Solve the clues in the Golden Bunny Warren and receive a golden Lindt chocolate reward at the end.

Happy 15th Birthday Bluewater

Bluewater shopping centre turns fifteen 

News By Heloise Wood

Bluewater is celebrating its 15th birthday having welcomed six times the UK’s population into its stores over that time.

Bluewater shopping centre turns fifteen

The Greenhithe-based shopping centre has also launched 50 new brands in its lifetime and provided employment for around 40,000 people. More than 375 million shoppers have visited the store during its lifetime. 

On Monday morning (MARCH 17) there was a special breakfast for all those who worked there since the beginning. 

On March 28 the Learning Shop Awards will reward the people and companies who have shone at Bluewater. Dartford MP Gareth Johnson and Council Leader Jeremy Kite will be on hand to help with celebrations.

The centre’s general manager Robert Goodman said: "Fifteen years is a tremendous milestone and Bluewater has achieved a great deal since opening. 

"Key to our success have been the people that work here and the wider community. "Our celebrations, therefore, are both a recognition of their vital contribution to our success and an opportunity to look ahead to Bluewater’s next chapter." 

Shoppers have also been enjoying discounts, designed to celebrate the milestone.
For more information, visit bluewater.co.uk

Black Friday spreads to Britain...

PlayStation 4 console causes queues at Bluewater as Black Friday promises huge discounts

by KentOnline reporter

multimediadesk@thekmgroup.co.uk 

Shoppers are set to go into overdrive today... as gamers queue for the must-have PlayStation 4 console and bargain hunters seek huge discounts.

Bluewater was expecting the numbers visiting the Greenhithe shopping complex to leap from the normal 90,000 visitors to around 150,000 today - a staggering two-thirds more than an average Friday.

That is due to a combination of factors, including the new PlayStation console going on sale for the first time, the fact most people have got their December pay cheque and huge discounts expected in many stores.

People were already queuing outside Bluewater last night

Already by late yesterday afternoon more than a dozen gaming fans had started queuing for the console, which went on sale at midnight.

The Game store was due to open all night to take orders, even though the actual console had already sold out.

A new phenomenon - Black Friday - was also set to sweep Britain for the first time. Commonly known in the US as the day after Thanksgiving, traditionally prices are slashed hugely as the country goes into the black for the first time.

Now hitting our shores, stores including Asda, Apple, John Lewis and PC World are touting bargains of up to 70% their usual price.

Bluewater was also hoping to draw in those with their December pay packets yet unspent to visit their newly-opened Winter Wonderland of grotto and ice rink.

Two minute Armistice Day silence brings Bluewater to a standstill

Chresti Dack, 84, pays her respects.

By Tim MacFarlan, Bexley and north Kent reporter
 

BLUEWATER was brought to a standstill as hundreds of shoppers observed a two minutes silence for Armistice Day today. 

Just before 11am on Monday The Last Post rang out from the bugle of former paratrooper Bob Cole and Dartford MP Gareth Johnson read from Robert Laurence Binyon’s famous poem For The Fallen. 

Left to right: Fusilier Baggett, Alan Nimmo, Elliot Tapping, MP Gareth Johnson and Paul Jacobs.

A crowd of around 500 shoppers gathered to watch as the standard of the Greenhithe and Swanscombe branch of the Royal British Legion was lowered by bearer Elliot Tapping. 

Standard bearer Elliot Tapping.

At 11am onlookers bowed their heads to honour British soldiers killed in war on the 95th anniversary of the end of the First World War which began 100 years ago next year. 

Remembering the fallen

                                            

Greenhithe and Swanscombe RBL committee member Graham Mentor-Morris said: "It all went incredibly well indeed. 

"The constant throb of Bluewater just suddenly stopped and it was quite strange. The vast majority of shoppers were very supportive. 

Bob Cole plays the last post.

"Having a live bugle call made all the difference." 

The poppy appeal at Bluewater has raised around £10,000 for the RBL.

Buses will run between Greenhithe and Gravesend through to Strood as rail passengers face 15-day closure over Christmas and New Year, from December 22 to January 6.

Rail journeys from Higham through to Northfleet could be extended by nearly an hour when 15 days of work is carried out at Gravesend train station.

Rail journeys from Higham through to Northfleet could be extended by nearly an hour when 15 days of work is carried out at Gravesend railway station.

Gravesend train station

by Thom Morris

tmorris@thekmgroup.co.uk

Southeastern has announced that engineering works will start on December 22 and run until January 5. All lines will be closed and no trains will run between Northfleet and Higham.

Rathmore Road in Gravesend will also be closed whilst £19 million of work is carried out at Gravesend train station.

The station’s platform will be extended to allow for longer 12-car trains, a new footbridge will be built, and lifts installed to provide access to all platforms. A third platform will also be added. Part of the works will include a 15-day closure over Christmas and New Year, from December 22 to January 6.

This is needed to complete the track layout changes and station construction work. An additional platform will also be fitted. Buses will run between Greenhithe and Gravesend through to Strood.

Customer relations manager for Southeastern Alison Nolan said: “The work at Gravesend is critical for us to be able to increase capacity and run longer trains on the network, but we know the work to make this happen will result in some inconvenience for our passengers.

“We’ve spent a great deal of time working together with Network Rail, Transport for London and local bus operators to develop a range of alternative travel arrangements for customers during this time.

"We’ve written directly to our customers to give advanced notice of these plans and to enable people to plan their travel this Christmas,” she said.

CG version of how the station will look once completed

Network Rail’s route managing director for Kent Fiona Taylor said: “Gravesend station will be vastly improved and the reconstructed platforms will mean longer trains can be accommodated, providing more seats for passengers.

“It is a complicated project which requires the station to be closed for 15 days to carry out the work to the track and station.

"We recognise that this will cause some disruption to passengers’ and we have timed the work to take place over what is traditionally a less busy time on the railway.

"We are working closely with Southeastern to minimise the impact as much as possible and I am confident the long-term benefits to passengers will outweigh the short-term disruption.”

Gravesend train station

Fine foods firm the East India Company to open in Bluewater

Fine foods firm the East India Company to open in Bluewater

by Chris Price cprice@thekmgroup.co.uk

The East India Company is set to open a store in Bluewater.

A company first established in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I is to open its first UK store outside London in the county. 

 

The East India Company is set to open a store in Bluewater.

Fine food retailer the East India Company is set to open in Bluewater on Monday, October 7.

The brand opened its first UK store in London’s Mayfair in 2010, selling products which have become quintessentially British.

The new 450 sq ft store will stock fine teas and coffees, biscuits, chocolate, nuts, jams, marmalades and mustards.

When the company was given a royal charter in 1600, merchants would sail from London and pass Bluewater’s base at Greenhithe on their way to the East, before returning with herbs and spices, teas, coffees, chocolates and fruits.

Vice president of operations Manan Bhansali said: “Bluewater is a wonderful shopping destination and we are looking forward to sharing our high quality teas, coffees and fine foods with customers.

“We felt drawn to this location for our first store opening outside of London because of the deep connection that Kent has with our history.”

EASTERN QUARRY - Details of First 150 New Dwellings

 

Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council.

Copyright © 2013 Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council, All rights reserved.

Greenhithe News: Thousands of jobs to be created as Bluewater expands

Over 2,000 jobs are to be created, as a 20% expansion to Bluewater gets the go-ahead.

The West Village area is set to be demolished and rebuilt with up to 40,000 square metres of extra retail and catering space.

Currently, 45% of the jobs at Bluewater are held by people in Dartford or Gravesham, and 93% belong to people across the rest of Kent.

Now 2,300 more are expected to be created and Dartford council Leader Jeremy Kite (Con) is positive many more people in North West Kent will benefit from them. He said: “I think this development is what people want. It’s been proven that Bluewater doesn’t have much of an affect on the town centre, and it’s going to create a lot of jobs for people in this area.

He said: “I think this development is what people want. It’s been proven that Bluewater doesn’t have much of an affect on the town centre, and it’s going to create a lot of jobs for people in this area.

“It’s great for us and I think we can look at Bluewater’s expansion as a force for good, rather than a force for bad.”

Large retail units to attract big businesses are planned, but which specific retailers will be joining the centre has not been determined yet.

The development, which also includes a basement, will eat into 813 current car parking spaces, but these are set to be moved elsewhere so no parking is lost.


The coach park will also be moved to accommodate the extension, as will the existing lake.
Access to and from the site will stay the same.

The West Village retail and catering area is the only catering space which hasn’t been refurbished since Bluewater opened in 1999.

The outline application was approved at Dartford council’s Development Control Board on Thursday May 16.

Story By http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ 

Bluewater announces marquee names for Summer Live series

The Saturdays will headline Summer Live on August 10

The Saturdays, Amelia Lily and Brainiac for Summer Live at Bluewater

By Jim Palmer, Leisure Editor News Shopper

NOT content with being one of the most impressive shopping centres in the country, Bluewater is throwing itself into entertainment too. 

And it is launching right in at the deep end with some big names and something for everyone in a 15-day spectacular of music, comedy, theatre and family entertainment. 

The Greenhithe shopping centre’s first Summer Live will be hosted at its 2,700 seater Glow venue from July 26 to August 11.Tickets have gone on sale for the 13 shows, including a headline performance from The Saturdays on Saturday, August 10.Musicians appearing include a 90s hitlist from the ITV show The Big Reunion on Saturday, August 3, encompassing Atomic Kitten, Liberty X, 911, B*Witched and Honeyz.

X Factor star Amelia Lily plays Glow on August 6

X Factor finalist Amelia Lily and Loveable Rogues, of Britain's Got Talent fame, will play on August 6. 

Children will love Brainiac Live (from July 31 to August 1) and appearances by Justin Fletcher (Sunday, July 28 and Sunday, August 11) 

Comedians one the bill over four shows include Richard Herring, Lucy Porter, Dave Spikey, Isy Suttie and Lee Nelson. 

Richard Herring is one of the top comedians performing

For theatre-goers medium Colin Fry (August 5),vocal group Blake (August 8) and a line-up of West End Anthems (August 4) should fit the bill. 

For the full listings and information, go to glowbluewater.co.uk, or for tickets glowbluewater.co.uk http://glowbluewater.co.uk.

 

Greenhithe News: Firefighters in chemical scare at John Lewis in Bluewater

Bluewater department store John Lewis was evacuated (file picture)

Hundreds of people had to be evacuated from John Lewis at Bluewater today after a chemical scare.

Around 15 firefighters were sent to the department store at the Greenhithe shopping centre to investigate a suspected leak from a fridge.

The store was evacuated for around an hour-and-a-half while crews dealt with the scene.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said three fire engines were called at about 11.45am.

At 1.10pm, the brigade said the leak had been dealt with and crews were leaving the scene.

Officers from Kent Police helped fire crews evacuate the store.

Paramedics from South East Coast Ambulance Service were also sent on standby.

Story Powered By Dartford Messenger Kentonline

Breaking News Greenhithe: £10m allocated to boost river passenger journeys to 12 million a year by 2020

This could be Greenhithe

25-Feb-13

Mayor and TfL unveil plans to double Thames passenger journeys by 2020

·         £10m allocated to boost river passenger journeys to 12 million a year by 2020

·         Three new piers to open, with the first at Plantation Wharf later this year

·         River services already at their most popular ever, with passenger numbers up by over a quarter in the last four years

The Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) today unveiled a host of measures to increase journeys on the Thames, with a target of doubling the number of river passengers by 2020.

TfL’s ‘River Action Plan’ sets out the improvements that will be made to river services over the next seven years to ensure that Londoners and visitors are making the most of the capital’s famous waterway and that it reaches its full potential. 

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “The River Thames played a major part in the success of a momentous 2012 and I am determined to capitalise on these achievements and safeguard the river’s central role in the future achievements of our great city. That is why I have set a target to increase passenger journeys on the Thames to 12 million a year by 2020 and to maximise its potential for high quality river travel with the building of new piers and even better facilities.”

Key improvements will include:

·         Opening three new piers, with the first at Plantation Wharf in Battersea due to open later this year. Two more piers have planning permission at Battersea Power Station and Enderby Wharf;

·         Improving existing pier facilities by transforming the signage, information and ticketing facilities, rolling-out iBoat real-time arrivals information and introducing the new contactless 'Wave and Pay' ticketing on river services;

·         Ensuring that the river is a fully integrated part of London’s transport network with interchange announcements on all other relevant transport services and improved cycle parking and cycle hire facilities near piers;

·         Working with developers and planners and other stakeholders to maximise opportunities for pier improvements in order to expand and progress the true potential of the river.

Passengers will begin to see new improvements on river services as soon as this spring, with real-time arrivals information being unveiled across all existing piers and a new pier at Plantation Wharf opening in the summer. Two other piers at Battersea Power Station and Enderby Wharf have planning permission and work should begin on these shortly.

With river services more popular than ever, passenger numbers have increased by over 25 per cent in the last four years. By 2031 TfL anticipates there will be an extra 100,000 new homes and 220,000 new jobs close to the Thames creating increased passenger demand for river services. Therefore it’s important for TfL to start making further improvements to facilities now.

Mike Weston, TfL’s Operations Director, Surface Transport, said: “This is an exciting chapter for the Thames, with more and more people already using the river to commute to work or for leisure trips.  As one of the most attractive ways to travel around the capital, we are fully committed to ensuring that the river reaches its full potential by creating highly visible, attractive piers with services that are easy to find, easy to use and more frequent than ever before.”

Jim Trimmer, Head of Planning and Partnerships at the Port of London Authority said: “The Port of London Authority welcomes this important new initiative that brings together the different river organisations and operators. It will be a further boost to the continued growth in passenger movements on the Thames.”

Rita Beckwith, Chief Executive Officer for City Cruises PLC, said: “City Cruises welcome the publication of the River Action Plan and the importance that is being placed on the river both as a means of transport and a wonderful tourist experience.  Partnership working is the only way we can achieve our goals and ensure that our great river continues to sparkle as the jewel in London’s crown.”

Significant progress in boosting river passenger journeys has already been made since the Mayor brought together over 40 organisations including boat operators, borough councils, pier owners and TfL to form a River Concordat in 2009.  Major improvements at Tower Pier and Greenwich Pier and the opening of new piers at Imperial Wharf near Chelsea and St George’s Wharf in Vauxhall have already been completed.  In addition Oyster Pay As You Go has been introduced on Thames Clipper services for added passenger convenience.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1.      TfL’s River Action Plan is available from TfL’s press office on 0845 604 4141

2.      River passenger journeys in the capital have risen from 5.3 million in 2007/08 to 6.6 million in 2011/12, an increase of 25.5 per cent

3.      TfL will lead the River Concordat Steering Group to track delivery of the River Action Plan and discuss strategic issues affecting river passenger services. TfL will produce an annual River Action Plan Update to track progress

Invitation to a Public Exhibition of proposed Development at Eastern Quarry Swanscombe

LAND SECURITIES WOULD LIKE TO COMMENCE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AT EASTERN QUARRY TO PROVIDE NEW HOMES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES, FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF MINERAL EXTRACTION ACTIVITIES.

Planning permission was granted in November 2007 for the development of Eastern Quarry to provide 6,250 dwellings and in addition up to 231,000 sqm of floorspace for non-residential uses.

1) Development Parameters & Site Wide Masterplan
Given the changes to the housing market since planning permission was first granted, Land Securities has sought approval from Dartford Borough Council (DBC) to amend the approved scheme. The principle changes proposed are for the following:

• to enable a first phase of development to come forward in the Eastern Gateway Area;
• to provide residential development in the Eastern Gateway Area;
• to redistribute employment floorspace, into the Central Village and Western Hub; and
• re-position the Primary School Site at the centre of Castle Hill.

2) Area Masterplan & Area Design Code In compliance with conditions on the outline planning permission Land Securities is preparing an Area Masterplan and Design Code for parts of the East Village/Castle Hill area, which will be submitted to DBC in early 2013. Once approved, this will enable the reserved matters for the first phase of residential development to be submitted for approval.

3) Local Park
A new local park is proposed to be provided in the Eastern Gateway Area adjacent to Southfleet Road, for use by new and existing local residents.

In summary, the proposals include the following:

• Amended Development Parameters • Amended Site Wide Masterplan • Castle Hill (East) Area Masterplan • Castle Hill Phase 1 Design Code • North East Local Park

EASTERN QUARRY GREENHITHE & SWANSCOMBE

We want to hear your views on the emerging proposals and hope you can attend the Exhibition on Wednesday 9th January 2013 from 6-8pm at:  The Observatory, Southfleet Rd, Ebbsfleet, Dartford. DA10 0DE

Members of the project team will be on hand to answer your questions.  

If you wish to comment on the proposals but are unable to attend the Exhibition please write to Eastern Quarry Development, Barton Willmore, 7 Soho Square, London W1D 3QB or alternatively email london@bartonwillmore.co.uk

Further enquiries regarding this event should be directed via telephone number: 0207 446 6888.