New beginnings on the Waterfront: Meet one of Chatham’s first pioneering businesses

As Chatham’s Waterfront Development continues to take shape, a new generation of independent businesses is beginning to define the character of this emerging riverside neighbourhood. Developed by Medway Development Company (MDC), the scheme represents a major step in reconnecting the town with its waterfront, blending modern homes, flexible commercial spaces and a lifestyle designed around community, wellbeing and everyday convenience.

Among the very first businesses to open is a new studio, We’re Tanning, owned by Sam, who has chosen the waterfront as the launchpad for their first-ever shop.

“I chose the waterfront for its great location and footfall,” Sam says. “It just felt like the right place to start.”

Being part of a development from its earliest days brings both excitement and opportunity. While the surrounding homes and commercial units continue to be completed, Sam is already seeing the foundations of a strong local community.

“The location is good and we’re really looking forward to the other units opening and the flats being filled,” Sam explains. “Everyone we’ve come across so far has been super friendly.”

That sense of welcome reflects MDC’s wider vision for the Waterfront Development, not simply as a place to live, but as a destination where residents and businesses grow together. Thoughtfully designed public spaces, riverside walks and mixed-use buildings are all intended to support independent operators and encourage people to spend time in the area.

For Sam, this opening is just the beginning.

“This is our first shop, and hopefully the first of many,” she says. “The plan is to grow, add more sunbeds, and hopefully rent out one of the rooms to a beautician so we can become part of a wider business community here.”

Sam is also keen to educate people about what they offer and challenge long-held misconceptions.

“A lot of people think sunbeds are bad for you, but in a controlled, clean environment that isn’t the case,” Sam explains. “They can be really beneficial during the winter months by helping provide vitamin D that many people are missing.”

The studio features top-of-the-range sunbeds with built-in red light therapy and operates a strict over-18s policy, with quality, safety and wellbeing at the heart of the experience.

As more residents move into the waterfront homes and additional businesses open their doors, Sam’s studio is an early sign of what the area is becoming - a lively, people-first neighbourhood shaped by ambition, local entrepreneurship and MDC’s long-term commitment to regeneration.

The Waterfront Development isn’t just changing the skyline of Chatham; it’s creating space for new journeys to begin.

For further information please visit www.weretanning.com