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Plans to demolish former Go Outdoors in The Brook, Chatham, submitted to Medway Council for work to begin on February 21

The demolition of a large empty town centre building could start this month.

An application has been made to knock down the former Go Outdoors and Market Hall next door in Chatham.

The former Go Outdoors has sat empty since it shut in August 2020. Picture: Arpenteur Nightingale Ltd
The former Go Outdoors has sat empty since it shut in August 2020. Picture: Arpenteur Nightingale Ltd

In a letter submitted to Medway Council, Iain Warner, senior director of Tetlow King Planning, said the vacant buildings off The Brook had suffered significant vandalism and pose a health and safety risk.

Therefore, the firm has applied to begin demolishing the two buildings, starting from February 21.

If approved the works would begin with putting up hoardings and pedestrian diversions, then the clearing of the interiors of the buildings and dealing with any asbestos.

Then work would start to demolish the Market Hall, expected to take one week, before moving onto the former Go Outdoors.

The demolition work, including clean-up, would last 11 weeks - six of which would be the bringing down of the outdoor sports retailer’s former premises.

The demolition is to make way for a proposed redevelopment, creating 319 flats and some commercial spaces. Photo: Arpenteur Nightingale Ltd
The demolition is to make way for a proposed redevelopment, creating 319 flats and some commercial spaces. Photo: Arpenteur Nightingale Ltd

The site is being cleared to make way for a proposed development of 319 flats and additional commercial spaces from Arpenteur Nightingale Ltd, which is currently being considered by the council’s planning department.

The multi-storey car park at the back of the site factors into the plans for the redevelopment, and so won’t be part of the demolition works.

The Go Outdoors building has been empty since the retailer permanently closed the shop in August 2020 after only four years.

Find out about planning applications that affect you at the Public Notice Portal.

The site owners are required to give between 21 and 28 days notice of plans for demolition, which began on January 24 when notices around the site were posted.

The former Go Outdoors superstore and HomePlus Furniture in The Brook. Picture: Arpenteur Nightingale Ltd
The former Go Outdoors superstore and HomePlus Furniture in The Brook. Picture: Arpenteur Nightingale Ltd

The council will consider the proposals for how the demolition is to be completed and make a decision by February 18.

If approved the work would begin on February 21.

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