A derelict maternity hospital is set to be transformed into a new "boutique" development of flats.

Star Living is due to convert the old maternity unit in Bath Street, Gravesend, into 115 apartments.

Sold by the NHS in 2018 for £2.3 million, the building – known as M-Block – has remained empty since 2006.

It has been subject to several different plans for redevelopment over the years.

It was initially proposed to demolish the hospital and replace it. But in 2020, plans were put forward to convert and extend the existing building, rather than knock it down.

The work will include conversion of the former maternity unit along with a side extension and a roof extension, and the construction of a new residential building. The M-shape at the top of the old hospital will be retained.

The development will include one, two bed and three bed apartments, with a private gym and car parking.

Star Living said it will offer "a single customer journey from reservations to end of tenancy" and the flats will offer a concierge service as well as laundry, dry cleaning, and housekeeping services.

Steven Beveridge, chief executive at Star Living, said: “Our vision for Star Living Gravesend is to deliver high quality rental apartments designed around the lifestyle of modern renters.

"We’re creating a community where residents can enjoy the use of fantastic amenity spaces on site, allied to first class service and support 24/7.”

Star Living is the buy-to-rent arm of the Strawberry Star Group.

Strawberry Star chairman Santhosh Gowda said: “We’re thrilled to be delivering our second build to rent scheme in Gravesend, bringing forward the delivery of much-needed rental homes to the community of Gravesend. Our strategy to bring forward boutique developments will result in new homes coming to market much sooner than on larger regeneration schemes.”

The opening of Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford made Gravesend and North Kent Hospital obsolete and it closed in 2004. Partial services remained in the maternity block until it closed in 2006.

The modern Gravesham Community Hospital was built on part of the plot. But the old M-block remained empty and became a target for fly-tippers and vandals.