A petition has been launched calling for a long-empty property in Chatham to be brought back into use.

In September, Future Medway exclusively revealed plans to restore Spembly Works, a former factory previously converted to 33 luxury flats.

The 1950s building in New Road Avenue has sat empty since 2017 and has been plagued by arsonists, anti-social behaviour and squatters ever since.

Future Medway reported that plans to restore the building are taking shape after its new owner entered a partnership with Medway-based property firm, RedDoor Homes.

A petition has now launched calling for support to transform Spembly Works “from a public nuisance into a place people can call home”.

Andy Wicking, managing director at RedDoor Homes, previously said their preferred approach is to retain the existing concrete structure to create high quality, build-to-rent flats.

“Spembly Works has been part of Chatham’s skyline for more than 60 years, but for far too long it has stood empty and deteriorating,” Mr Wicking said.

“We now have an opportunity to bring this important site back to life.”

Structural investigations are taking place to confirm whether the building is safe to be retained, before detailed designs are drawn up for a planning application.

Whilst a timescale remains unknown, Mr Wicking confimed they are engaging with Medway Council and stakeholders “to find a viable way forward for the site”.

A report to Medway Council’s Cabinet, set to be discussed on 15 December, will outline the “potential risks and liabilities” the council may face due to the building’s poor state of disrepair.

Councillors will also be asked to approve measures to help the owner secure external funding for the development.

The petition can be signed on the Change.org website by clicking here.

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