The Civic Centre in Strood has been rejected as being worthy of listing by English Heritage, and its demolition now seems certain.

Set in a prime location on the banks of the River Medway with the best view of Rochester Castle and cathedral, it could become a massive drain on resources when the final staff finally move out in the New Year.

Part of the building, overlooking the River Medway, was once the headquarters of Aveling and Porter, the world’s biggest manufacturer of steamrollers.

But after the decision to move to Gun Wharf in Dock Road, Chatham, was taken earlier this year, finance chiefs have been worrying about the potentially astronomical business rates they would have to pay while it stayed empty.

Concern is growing among heritage building enthusiasts because the demolition order includes the Aveling and Porter section of the building.

Cllr Glyn Griffiths (Lab), deputy leader of the opposition, gave his backing to the destruction of the iconic building to a scrutiny meeting.

He told the business support committee that the riverside location was a valuable redevelopment area.

Plans have to be drawn up for how the waterfront area could be developed, but in the meantime the site is expected to become an enlarged car park for visitors to Medway.

Once the recession has turned round it is expected to attract developers wanting to transform Strood centre.

When the High Speed Domestic trains start running in one year’s time, St Pancras will be half an hour away, trains will continue to Cannon Street and there is an easy rail link along the Medway Valley to Gatwick.

The chairman, Cllr Ken Bamber (Con) was delighted

“Someone tried to get it listed, which wouldn’t have helped us at all,” he said.