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More on KentOnline
A consultation asking residents for their views on the future of a 14th century landmark in Maidstone has opened.
The Archbishop’s Palace is currently used for weddings, inquests and citizenship ceremonies, but this could change come September next year.
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) owns the building in Mill Street and has let it to Kent County Council (KCC) since 2005.
This lease expired in October and this time next year, the property will pass back to MBC which is considering future uses with six options on the table.
The first would see the building, which is of great historical significance, used as flexible working space with different sized office and meeting spaces that can be booked in advance.
The second could see it turned into a training and seminar centre as it has been suggested there is currently a lack of meeting rooms in the town centre.
But while charge rates are high, there is a lot of competition in the wider borough.
Another option looks at building on its current use as a wedding venue and extending it to offer receptions and possible overnight accommodation.
The garden offers photo opportunities and the proximity of the All Saints Church could allow it to offer additional ceremony choices.
It could also be transformed into a 12 bedroom boutique hotel with river views, a restaurant and additional function room space.
Option five suggests using the palace for commercial mixed use with individual office units.
It would be alongside a conference centre which could cater for small performance events in the evenings such as recitals, readings, comedy and drama performances.
The final option looks at mixed cultural use as a wedding and seminar venue with the offer of a gallery and exhibition space, and a café.
The consultation closes on October 31 and hopes to understand which options residents prefer.
The results will be reported to the Policy and Resources Committee later this year.
