Medway and Swale Boating Association

Over the past few weeks the MSBA has been in communication with Medway
Council to obtain an update on its current plans for the Rochester Pier and
the boat services that used to operate from the Pier.

Medway Council have today confirmed that they are working on re-opening, in
the coming months, the T-part of the Pier as a viewing platform which
members of the public will be able to access to see what is happening on the
River and look back at Rochester Castle.

The Council has no plans to re-instate any river services to or from
Rochester Pier.  It has also confirmed that the Council are currently
reviewing the use of all three piers under its control.

The MSBA will continue to provide updates on any developments in this area.

Peter Norris, Fellow ABYA
Chairman
Medway and Swale Boating Association

As you will be aware Sun Pier has been closed to leisure boat owners for a
number weeks.  The MSBA has been seeking an update from Medway Council on
when the Sun Pier will re-open to leisure craft.  It is currently restricted
to commercial vessels only.

Medway Council have today confirmed that the pier will not reopen to Leisure
craft until the drying docking of the pontoons and necessary repairs have
been completed which is anticipated to be the end of November 2024.

In the meantime, the Council have advised that it will be conducting a
comprehensive review of the Pier’s use and who has access to it.

The MSBA will be keeping a watchful eye on these discussions as this is an
asset that was repaired using Council funds for all to use and not just for
commercial organisations.

The MSBA will update members as soon as possible on developments.

Kind regards

Peter Norris, Fellow ABYA
Chairman
Medway and Swale Boating Association

Owing to recent squat mooring issues and an electrical assessment of the pontoons at Sun Pier, Medway Council has suspended public day mooring until further notice.

Only emergency services and river tour operators will have access to the pontoons whilst further assessments are made, and repairs organised.

In addition to the suspension, Medway Council plans to remove the pontoons for dry docking and repairs in early September for a period of 6 weeks before being reinstated to provide improved mooring facilities.

“Improvements to Commodore’s Hard The Strand”

The MSBA is pleased to advise that Medway Council has secured some funding to undertake surface repairs to the slipway at The Commodore’s Hard. These improvements include constructing a concrete pad to complete the end of the access road where it meets the beach.
The concrete will be more resistant to the salt water and reduce future maintenance costs in addition to a hatched area to provide additional access for emergency vehicles.
These improvements will be undertaken during weekdays over the coming months but may mean the slipway is out of use for a couple of days at a time”