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Flats plan for old policeHQ
THE site of Kent’s original police headquarters looks poised to be re- developed as offices and flats. Wren’s Cross, at the junction of
Upper Stone Street and Knightrider Street, has been a blot on the town centre landscape for a number of years. It was vacated by the police in
1940, when the force moved to the current headquarters in Sutton Road. The property has now been boarded up as it has fallen into in- creasing disrepair, with large sec- tions of the roof now missing. Kent County Council, which
owns the property, has been trying to sell the site for some time and has been in negotiations with would-be developers including supermarket companies and housebuilders. Last year, it was rumoured a fast
food outlet or supermarket was to be built on the site. Now Geko Development Ltd has applied for listed building consent to demolish many of the buildings – but not those which are listed – re- placing them with a total of 76 flats. Sixty-six of the flats will be built in
a five-storey block, while the exist- ing barracks building will be con- verted into four more flats. Another block will house the remaining six flats.
There would be two three-bed-
room flats, 49 two-bedroom flats and 25 one-bedroom flats. There would also be 80 parking spaces for residents. The remaining grade II listed building would be turned into of- fices and a workshop. Maidstone Council will decide the
plan. Mayor opens charity shop
A REFURBISHED shop which raises money for aMaidstone-based charity had a VIP visitor when the Mayor ofMaidstone popped in for breakfast. Cllr Daniel Moriarty visited to open the Friends of Blackthorn charity
shop at the Blackthorn Trust in Barming – and revealed he has a passion forMarmite. While enjoying his
tea and toast with staff, volunteers and co-workers he proved he was definitely on the “love” side of those who either love or hate the famous yeast extract. The Blackthorn
charity shop, once at the junction of Queens Road and Tonbridge Road, is now housed in a bright green portable building in the grounds of the charity, in nearby St Andrews Road. It recently enjoyed a spring clean, a re-paint and new shelving,
courtesy of Ironmongery Direct in Essex. People have generously donated some quality items so the shelves
were stacked for the re-opening. Emma Mills, volunteer and events co-ordinator for the charity, said:
“We felt that the Friends of Blackthorn charity shop had become a little forgotten.We are hoping that this re-launch raises the profile of the charity shop and where we are.” The Blackthorn Trust helps people with mental or physical health difficulties or learning disabilities. It offers medical care, specialist therapies and rehabilitation through work placements in the garden.
Charity ceilidh for civic farewell
THE retiring Mayor of Maidstone is hoping for the luck of the Irish when he holds his farewell dinner and dance. Cllr Daniel Moriarty and his niece, mayoress Shirley Moriarty, have plumped for a lively Irish night, complete with ceilidh the day after St Patrick’s Day. The dinner, in aid of Ellenor and The Alzheimer’s Society, is at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, starting at 7pm on Friday, March 18. Guests can come in appropriate fancy dress or smart casual. Cllr Moriarty’s reign as mayor ends in May. He is due to be suc- ceeded by Cllr Derek Butler.
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