The gateway is a 40-mile-wide area from London to Kent and Essex

The investment, announced on Tuesday, targets 17 schemes in total across Kent Thameside, Medway and Swale.

The funding includes �1m for regeneration projects in Swanscombe.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said it would help communities "enjoy a better quality of life" in attractive, prosperous and welcoming places.

Green spaces

"We want residents to see improvements in their town centres, their local environment and their life opportunities, now and for future generations.

"Creating sustainable communities means protecting and enhancing the countryside, and providing green spaces in a safe, healthy local environment.

"We are determined that future and existing residents' needs - for parks, jobs, services and decent homes - are met," Mr Prescott said.

Funding for the projects in the Thames Gateway area also includes �12m for land acquisition of a 200-acre development at Northfleet Embankment, from Gravesend to Swanscombe Peninsular.

There will also be �1.5m for the acquisition of Rochester Riverside to complement the existing regeneration and a waterfront development.

It is all part of a �100m investment announced for regeneration schemes across the Thames Gateway, which will help to deliver around 120,000 homes and about 180,000 jobs.

The Thames Gateway is a 40-mile-wide area from east and south-east London to Kent and Essex.