A grassroots campaign to save a “landmark” historic building has been launched.
Residents and councillors are calling for the opportunity to repurpose the Old Town Hall in Gravesend High Street to safeguard its future for the community.
Cllr Sharon Roots, who is the Kent County Council (KCC) Reform representative for Gravesend West, claims that despite its cultural importance, the previous local authority administration has let the venue fall into neglect.
In October 2023, scaffolding was erected around the Grade II* listed building, which is owned and maintained by KCC, after its roof was damaged by lead thieves.
Campaigners have since accused the council of abandoning its duty to safeguard local heritage, claiming it is moving towards selling the site by auction.
However, a spokesperson for KCC said no formal decision has been made, but if the local authority was to dispose of the building it would most likely be via auction.
They added: “KCC is keen to secure a sustainable future for this important heritage asset. Any capital receipt would be reinvested back into the delivery of our statutory services, such as school places.”
Campaigners, including Gravesend resident Les Hoskins, local historian Christoph Bull, and KCC Reform councillors Sharon Roots and Diane Morton, are looking at alternatives to selling the site.
They believe it could be reused as a space for local school, exhibitions, community events, health and wellbeing programmes and tourism and visitor engagement.
Les said: “This is no longer a forgotten relic. It is a community asset waiting to be revived.”
Cllr Diane Morton, who represents Gravesham Rural, added: “The old town hall is a symbol of Gravesend’s rich history but its future depends on us.
“Now is the time for the community to come together, stand united to protect this landmark and community space for generations to come.”
The group is urging KCC to open a community consultation regarding the future of the building to allow a detailed, costed proposal to be submitted.
Cllr Roots, who is leading the calls, added: “This building can once again serve the people and we must be given the chance to prove that.”
A spokesperson for KCC said: “We have listened to residents and stakeholders and have ensured that there has been ample opportunity for anyone to come forward with proposals for the future of the building.”
The Old Town Hall was first built in 1573 but has been remodelled several times throughout its history to create more space.
It was previously used as a court, a police station, and, more recently, a venue space.
The building also has historic cells which were used to hold prisoners.
It is understood the hall is being used for charitable storage at present as KCC currently has no operational use for the space.
The new Reform administration is expected to make a final decision on its future in September.
