SORTING OFFICE COULD SOON DELIVER WORD OF GOD
The former sorting office site has been temporarily redeveloped while details of its long-term regeneration are awaited.
Kent County Council and Maidstone Borough Council jointly own the plot, in Sandling Road. Since 2003, many schemes involving big name chains such as John Lewis and Asda, linked with new station redevelopment, have come and gone.
The current vision sees a mix of shopping space, homes, offices and increased parking.
Both councils said it would take several years to fully develop the site as the time will be needed to secure retail interest.
In the interim it offers a 250-space car park and space for charities.
Demelza Hospice Care for Children runs its main warehouse and distribution centre from Sandling Road. Now a growing church is looking to move in proposing a temporary conversion of two floors in the former
public servant in our justice system.
Using this land, which includes the former sorting office in Sandling Road, would also take advantage of the rail links at Maidstone East – handy for all workers and those attending different courts.
A united front from Kent Police, Maidstone Borough Council, Kent County Council and HM Courts and Tribunals service could see something special created.
Shifting services away from the current crown court site could make room for housing Royal Mail offices, fronting Sandling Road. This would run for around five years. Liberty Church had been holding Sunday meetings at The Village Hotel in Sandling.
Plans submitted to Maidstone Borough Council are asking to change the top two floors so the building can be used as a church and a community centre.
It is hoped the community centre will run youth clubs, toddler groups, activities for pensioners and school holiday clubs.
Among the proposed
– helping to lessen the dependence on building mass estates in rural communities.
Don’t let the H word put you off.
Picture flats at the crown court site in Barker Road. It’s a chance to open up that side of the river for walks and pathways so we can really take in the winding Medway. Right now the path is looking dated, there are benches in desperate need of repair – this is a chance to bring it up to date and open it up for all to enjoy.
Just across the river, there’s the chance to instal floating changes, the first floor could be home to a breast-feeding room, baby room and toddler room, as well as being the main space for children to spend time at the centre. To see more visit pa.midkent.gov.uk online and type reference 19/503166/FULL. Separately, Network Rail is now underway with £2.5 million plans to create a new glass-fronted station extension, including a new cafe, waiting room and outside landscaping.
Demolition of The Vic pub, which is key to the scheme, began in September.
bars, restaurants and markets. All in the shadow of 14th century All Saints Church. The historical and 21st century sides of the river would be connected by Millenium Bridge – a nice touch right? If you’re concerned about the impact of new housing and people, pause for a moment.
Imagine the money thatcould be injected into the town’s infrastructure from selling the sprawling crown court, along with Maidstone Magistrates Court and the police station on Palace Avenue.
Not only that, but the new families coming to the town would be able to support and make the most of our town centre shops and businesses. Isn’t it better to have hous