An artist’s impression of the plans for the Powerhub building
Powerhub plan ‘set to revive riverside’
PLANS to breathe new life into land fronting the Medway in Maidstone have been unveiled to the public. Baltic Wharf (Maidstone) Ltd,
who owns the former Powerhub building in St Peter Street, is hoping to attract interest from a major supermarket chain, with a view to creating retail, parking and high quality office and leisure space along the river. Earlier plans to demolish the building had to be shelved when it was given a Grade II listing by English Heritage in February last year. According to Paul Graham, of
Baltic Wharf: “This is a key site for regeneration on the west bank of the river Medway. The proposal will complete the river walkway. “It will see the regeneration of the strategic gate- way and river- side site and secure the long term future and regeneration of the listed Power- hub building (above) as a her- itage asset.” The 1.5 hectare site includes
land currently occupied by Raglan House, the FabricWare- house and Lincoln Furniture. It is divided by the railway line running from Maidstone Bar- racks toMaidstone East and in- cludes land to the north side of the railway bridge, currently used for parking.
MAIDSTONE Council has had a rethink on its housing alloca- tion scheme. An updated scheme, put to members at the end of last year, suggested a number ofmeasures to tighten up procedures, ensur- ing the social housing stockwas allocated to those most in need. The officers’ initial recom- mendation was that children under 21 should be expected to share a bedroom, irrespective of gender, if still living with their parents.
However, when members
voted on the scheme, this was revised to allow children aged 16 or over a room of their own. In addition, only children
The Powerhub, formerly the
Tilling Stevens factory, dates back to 1917. The developer in- tends to submit an outline plan- ning application soon. The aim is to provide a major
food store, with more than 300 car parking spaces at ground and first-floor level, together with a restaurant, leisure and office facilities for professional and financial services. There will be improved land- scaping and pedestrian access and the company says the schemewill result in significant new employment in the town, with an estimated 250 jobs in the retail sector and at least 100 more working in the office and leisure side.
Major road improvements would be needed, the company conceded, with the creation of a new access roundabout to the north of St Peter Street, improve- ments to the top ofBucklandHill and alterations to the gyratory system, including the possible addition of an extra lane. Any proposed alterations to
the Powerhub building will re- quire listed building consent.
Rethink on housing allocation
under the age of 10 would be expected to share a bedroom if they were of different sex, while children up to 16 would be ex- pected to share a room if both boys or both girls. The new allocation scheme comes into effect from April and, for the first time, priority will be given to individuals and families who live and work in the borough and who make a positive contribution to the community – not to families liv- ing on welfare benefits. A full copy of the housing al- location scheme is available on request by emailing: housingop-
tions@maidstone.gov.uk or call- ing 01622 602440.
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