Work has begun on the redevelopment of the former headquarters of the KM Group, which is being turned into 12 homes.

In its heyday from the late 1970s to early 2000s, the Larkfield office was home to more than half of the company’s 850 staff and included its printing press.

Renamed the Old Printworks, the construction site on Sheldon Way, opposite the town’s leisure centre, is being turned into eight apartments and four terraced homes by Canterbury-based housebuilder Quinn Estates.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council leader Nicolas Heslop was given a tour of the site by the developer, along with Larkfield Parish Council chairman David Thornewell and ward councillors Cllr Tim Bishop and Cllr Anita Oakley.

Cllr Heslop said: “It’s good to see the start of work at the Old Printworks, as it represents another positive step for the people and businesses in the local community.

“Providing new homes is of key importance.

"Quinn Estates value working with the local parish council and the planning authority.

“They recognise their responsibility as more than just a developer, building sustainable developments with community at the heart.

"I’m very much looking forward to seeing the finished development.”

Quinn Estates development director Alastair Cracknell said: “We have a strong track record for turning brownfield sites into exciting schemes.

“We have worked extensively with stakeholders on this project and that cooperation has led to us being able to get on site quickly and to start building new homes for the borough.”

The KM Group is now headquartered in Medway City Estate in Strood.