From sports ground to supermarket

The subject of the older picture is the County Athletic Grounds, at the top end of Wincheap, probably in Edwardian times.

At this time, the site was owned by John E Wiltshier, but rented and operated by haulier and sports enthusiast, G F Finn. Before the First World War, the grounds were used for sports of all kinds, as well as circuses, fetes, hot-air balloon demonstrations and early motorcycle events.

Since the 1880s, the embankment carrying the Elham Valley Line bordered the grounds, left, but it cannot be seen in this picture. After the Great War, the area became run down, until being taken over by Robert Brett & Sons. Their haulage premises were also next to the grounds.

Brett’s modern office block and lorry park, just off the A28, and opposite the Thanington pumping station, became a familiar sight in more recent years. This situation lasted until 1996, when Brett’s moved elsewhere and the entire site sold for redevelopment.

Almost immediately, the Wincheap park and ride site was built here, along with Safeway supermarket and other retail warehouses. The second picture was taken in late 1997, shortly after redevelopment had been completed. Note that the late 19th century ribbon development along the A28 thoroughfare is common to both views.

Morrison’s have since taken over Safeway, and the park and ride area is due to be both expanded and altered to accommodate a new slip-road off the A28.

The sports ground in the 1900s and right, the same area around 100 years later