Swing Bridge Fund

The ambition to restore the Faversham Swing Bridge, lock gates and dredge the basin, gained momentum 5 years ago, when several community groups had the vision and saw the potential of restoring the basin to its former glory.

This would allow boat owners to moor in the regenerated basin, enjoy the town and in addition, be a valuable tourist attraction. The community formed a steering group incorporating the already established Faversham Creek Trust.

We supported The Faversham Creek Trust and the Town Council in their vision.

We agreed to contribute some capital funding to the project, initially allocating £450,000 which was subsequently increased to £510,000. The Faversham Creek Trust raised £125,000. Swale Borough Council pledged £200,000 and Faversham Town Council pledged £170,000.

In 2015, we were advised that the estimate for the work to restore the swing bridge was £1.2million, which broadly matched the amount pledged to the scheme.

In 2016/17, design and procurement took place, culminating in final tenders being in the order of £2.6 million for the bridge restoration plus an additional £200,000 to repair the lock gates.

This was a very disappointing outcome and we needed to reflect on how we could solve the gap in funding.

We are working with the harbour authority, Port of Sheerness, to seek a solution to realise the ambitions of restoring the bridge allowing it to open and function as a swing bridge, including the lock gates.

Read the latest update of the Swing Bridge Fund (PDF, 142.7 KB).