Spembly Works needs no introduction. Some argue it is Medway’s worst eyesore after almost a decade of break-ins, vandalism and lengthy legal disputes. A new chapter for the Chatham landmark is now unfolding with fresh plans taking shape, as Future Medway exclusively reports.

The 1950s building in New Road Avenue was once home to a metal engineering workshop for Spembly Engineering, before Marconi – now BAE Systems – used it as a research laboratory from 1968 to 1990.

At the turn of the millennium, plans were approved to turn it into 33 art-deco style flats with panoramic views over the River Medway.

But progress faltered when Medway Council found the construction work failed the required standards, prompting the owner at the time to shelve the project.

Vacant since 2017, the landmark building – designed to look like a cruise ship – quickly descended into a grotty magnet for arsonists, vandals, drug users and even squatters.

Behind the latest plans to breathe new life into Spembly Works is Andy Wicking, managing director of RedDoor Homes.

The Medway-based property firm specialises in sales and lettings, as well as managing over 900 homes across Kent.

“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.”

Mr Wicking and former tenants have been embroiled in lengthy courtroom disputes over thousands of pounds of withheld service charges. One of the cases, Wigmore Homes (UK) Ltd v Spembly Works Residents Association Ltd, has since become a textbook example in the field of law.

Earlier this year, a court hearing allowed a new owner to finally take control of the site through a vesting order – which directly transferred legal ownership of the property.

This paved the way for the new owner and RedDoor Homes to kickstart plans to rejuvenate the long-empty eyesore into high quality, build-to-rent flats.

“Our preferred approach is to retain and adapt the existing concrete structure if we can,” Mr Wicking said, adding, “before we can make that decision, we need to properly investigate the condition of the frame and establish what is technically and financially viable.”

If the structural investigations prove successful, detailed designs will be drawn up in a bid to secure planning permission.

“We want to create a high-quality residential development that respects the character of the building, delivers much-needed new homes and makes a positive contribution to the continuing regeneration of Chatham.

“We have been reaching out to Medway Council and other stakeholders and look forward to working with them to find a viable way forward for the site and turn Spembly Works from a liability into a landmark.”

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