Sports Centre Demolished for 31 Flats in Kent

Plans to demolish the former Arethusa Venture Centre in Lower Upnor, Kent, have been approved by Medway Council, paving the way for 31 new residential flats. The centre, originally built in the 1930s and last used for water sports, closed its doors in 2019.

The approved development will see the construction of two buildings, standing four and five storeys high. This decision has drawn criticism, with some local councillors and residents describing the plans as "overdevelopment" and "out of step" with the historic village of Upnor.

Concerns were raised regarding the scale of the proposed buildings and their potential impact on local infrastructure and services. Despite these objections, councillors noted the benefits of building on brownfield sites and the need for viability in development proposals.

As a condition of the approval, developers will contribute £265,000 towards enhancements for Hoo Sports Centre, public spaces in Strood and Hoo, and nearby schools.