Welcome to Chatham Intra
As Medway’s hidden gem and diamond in the rough, this area has naturally attracted artists, makers, designers, performers, and purveyors of international cuisine and fine ales.
Their presence has transformed it into an incredible creative and heritage quarter.
Their presence has transformed it into an incredible creative and heritage quarter.
The area is now studded with unique studios, galleries, friendly pubs, restaurants, and bakeries—many of which host live music, comedy, and drag performances. You’ll also find a vibrant mix of fashion, faith, and fascinating heritage, including one of the UK’s earliest known LGBTQ+ pubs. Definitely worth a visit!
The word ‘intra’ comes from the Latin for “within.” This area is roughly bounded to the west by the railway bridge over Rochester High Street, just beyond the Nags Head public house, and to the east by the Chatham boundary sign outside the John Hawkins Hospital.
Strictly speaking, Chatham Intra refers only to the area on the north side of the High Street, but here we include both sides of the road. Traditionally, residents of this area—often river workers—paid rates to either Rochester or Chatham. Today, Chatham Intra is considered part of Rochester.
The High Street Heritage Action Zone aims to transform the area into a vibrant cultural and creative hub, encouraging artists, creatives, and makers to occupy underused historic buildings in need of refurbishment and conversion.
Image: Chatham boundary Sign
Intra Arts
Intra Arts has operated an arts venue and maker space on Rochester High Street since 2014, offering the public access to a wide range of specialist artist-owned equipment.
Intra Arts offers a fully equipped printmaking studio, kilns for glasswork, craft equipment, and a variety of other tools, alongside welcoming workspaces for creative classes. The organisation fosters community through co-creating festivals, hosting exhibitions, and supporting individuals in finding creative pathways to improved wellbeing. Their multidisciplinary programme includes cultural events, training, and activities designed to build engagement with the arts throughout Medway and Kent.
Discover More...
Check out The Historic England Blog and video to discover more about Chatham Intra, and if you wish to explore the area yourself, why not download a copy of the Chatham Intra Heritage Trail.
Chatham Intra Trail
Chatham Intra - historic haunt of sea captains and shipbuilders, architects, brewers and publicans, river workers and shopkeepers.
Lying on the border of Chatham and Rochester, this fascinating stretch of High Street is explored inside this guide.
Featuring archive photographs and images this guide is packed with revealing facts about the past and present of this lively and living area fronting the River Medway.
Click here to download.
Written by Rob Flood
Designed by Mark Barnes Design
