Palace may continue to be wedding venue


THE Archbishop’s Palace could continue as a wedding venue, in spite of the county council mov- ing its operation to Oakwood House. The proposal for the listed build-


ing is earning favour with the Maidstone Borough Council. The lease on the 14th century landmark to the county council will expire next year. After a £43,000 review of assets


by MBC and an independent re- view, possible options include of- fices, a conference facility, a hotel or restaurant. MBC’s policy and resources


committee has taken ownership of the document and will now look at costing the more popular ideas. Cllr Clive English said commit-


tee members were keen to explore the Archbishop’s Palace in the con- text of an “architectural triangle”, along with the Carriage Museum, which it also owns, and All Saints’


Church. He said: “The venue as a place for weddings is a runaway success and demand is growing, so, why invent the wheel, and this will be looked at.”


The Carriage Museum could be


moved to Headcorn but it may take two or three years to confirm a sustainable plan. Cllr English believes MBC could take over the civic wedding option when KCC moves out and, if it can be co-or- dinated, All Saints’ Church could provide a religious marriage op- tion, with the palace serving as a reception venue. Cllr English said: “There are


lots of options on the table, in- cluding demand for one or two boutique hotels in the town, which could support the wedding venue. A restaurant could also be de-


livered here with the appropriate planning controls, such as those seen in Earl Street.” Albert Daniels, president of the


Maidstone Historical Society, said: “Continuity of use must be a priority to prevent the building falling into disrepair.”


Woman hurt


in M20 crash A WOMAN was injured when her car collided with a lorry on the M20. The accident happened be-


tween junctions 8 and 9 at about 10am on October 9. Motorists faced over three miles


of congestion as all lanes were blocked by emergency services. A spokesman said: “Kent Police


were called to a collision involving a car and a lorry on the coastbound carriageway of the M20 between junctions 8 and 9. “The woman was taken to a local hospital for treatment.”


War tribute


THE remembrance art work above the entrance to The Mall in Maidstone has been praised by the county’s police and crime commissioner, Matthew Scott. He described One Maidstone’s


tribute as timely and a graphic re- minder of those who paid the ul- timate sacrifice in the defence of our country. He added: “I hope it brings a renewed focus on some- thing which is really important to all of our local communities.”


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