The Municipal Buildings in Gillingham are set to be turned into a care home.

Medway Council confirmed on Friday that contracts for the former council offices in Canterbury Street were exchanged at the end of October with a care home provider which is yet to be named.

It is not known how much the building was sold for.

Planning permission for change of use is yet to be submitted. The transaction is expected to be finalised by January next year.

Ward councillor Diana Smith (Lib Dem) said: “I’m delighted that Municipal Buildings is going to be a care home although I’ve not been officially advised by the council.

“I think it will be very nice for the residents and workers to look over Gillingham Park.

“At least the residents of Medway will still be able to see the Municipal Buildings.

“I wanted something that would keep the facade of the building I think that’s what’s important to the people of Medway.”

The Municipal Buildings was the seat of local government in Gillingham for 81 years.

When the former Gillingham Borough Council merged with Rochester upon Medway to form the unitary Medway Council in 1998 it continued to be used as council offices and for meetings.

It was also the venue for inquests at the coroner’s court.

But the buildings were surplus to requirement after Medway Council decided to move into the former Lloyd’s of London headquarters at Gun Wharf, Chatham.