Former Kent Ophthalmic and Aural Hospital, Maidstone.
WGDP were part of a large development team promoting the renovation, conversion and extension of the Grade II former Kent Ophthalmic and Aural Hospital at Church Street in the heart of Maidstone. The new proposals involved new build elements and the partial demolition of the hospital complex. The proposals were for five new 4-storey buildings to provide a range of accommodation.
The project was complex. Officers’ and Members’ were greatly interested in the design. The key to success was finding the best reasonable means of conserving the character, appearance, fabric, integrity, and setting of the listed buildings in the context of the town centre Conservation Area.
The economics of the development proposals were also critical to this proposal. Ordinarily the Council would seek 40% Affordable Housing. However, of the 86 new dwellings proposed, only 12 were finally agreed as being appropriate for affordable purposes.
The project is expected to start on site during 2008.