KCC plans to part-convert County Hall Keys to historic HQ home could soon be yours
Kent County Council (KCC) has unveiled controversial plans to sell or lease part of its historic headquarters into flats and co-working spaces.
Maidstone County Hall has been KCC’s HQ for more than 130 years, but some blocks of the historic building have been declared surplus to requirements.
Fresh proposals have emerged to convert one of the buildings into 80 flats and another block into a flexible co-working space. Meanwhile, a third block may be demolished and used as extra parking spaces to support the flats.
Kent county councillors remain divided over the way forward. Concerns have also been raised over the potential high costs of the publicly-funded scheme.
Malling East county councillor Harry Rayner (Con) said: “From a tax payer’s point of view, I have doubts about the
course of action we are taking. I believe it is not justified.” In contrast, Cllr Rory Love (Con), said he was excited about KCC’s “vision” during discussion last Thursday.
He said: “Getting that residential accommodation in place in this part of the town is a very sound move.”
Originally, KCC’s hope was to quit County Hall altogether before the pandemic.
It is believed that less office space is required by KCC as more council staff work from home in flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
KCC’s deputy leader Cllr Peter Oakford said a “compromise” is being reached by the authority to maintain part of County Hall and sell the remainder. Strongly voicing the need to make radical changes, he said: “This building is no longer fit for purpose. We are utilising less than 50% of the building.” The remaining ageing offices at County Hall and Invicta House may undergo a major refurbishment, including the main council chamber and catering areas.
He added: “The plumbing is atrocious. Half the bathrooms do not work and there are always blockages somewhere.” Other local authorities in Kent are considering moving out of ageing offices, including Canterbury City Council after more than 40 years in its current location in Military Road.
A key decision is expected to be made on the final plans in autumn.
If approved, refurbishment works of County Hall could be completed by August 2024.