A prominent but long-vacant retail block in the centre of Maidstone is to be brought back into use as a mix of workspace, independent shops and flats, in a scheme that could create around 120 jobs over the next two years.
The building, which sits a short walk from the county town's main shopping street, has stood largely empty since its previous department-store tenant closed several years ago. Under the plans, the upper floors would be converted into flexible offices and a small number of residential units, while the ground floor is set to house a family-owned homeware and interiors firm that has outgrown its current premises on the edge of town.
A vacant landmark returns to use
The owner of the interiors business, who has run the company locally for more than a decade, said the move would allow it to consolidate operations under one roof and take on additional staff. Roughly 40 roles are expected in the first phase, with further hiring tied to the letting of the upper floors.
Kent County Council has pointed to the site as an example of the kind of town-centre reuse it wants to encourage across the county, as high streets adjust to changing shopping habits and rising numbers of empty units.
Bringing an empty landmark back into everyday use, rather than leaving it boarded up, is exactly the direction we want the town centre to take.
Jobs and the wider high street
Local traders have broadly welcomed the proposal, arguing that reopening a large, visible building could draw more footfall to nearby independent shops and cafes. Vacancy rates on many British high streets remain higher than before the pandemic, according to national retail data, and Maidstone has not been immune to the pressure.
- Around 120 jobs are expected across the two-year build-out.
- Roughly 40 roles would come in the first phase, at ground level.
- Upper floors are earmarked for flexible offices and a handful of flats.
What happens next
The redevelopment still requires planning consent, and formal proposals are expected to go before the relevant borough planning committee later this year. Officers have indicated that access, parking and the treatment of the building's frontage are likely to be among the main points of discussion.
If approved, the developers say early works could begin within months, with the ground-floor tenant aiming to open to customers before the following spring.
