Plans to build flats on the site of a former sports and activity hub have been submitted.

Grandera Homes is hoping to demolish the Arethusa Venture Centre in Lower Upnor, near Rochester to pave the way for 31 new apartments.

The proposal for the 2.1-acre site features two buildings of four and five storeys.

And if approved, blocks will consist of 12 one-bedroom flats, 17 two-bedroom flats and two three-bedroom flats.

Plans also include landscaping, car parking provision and seating areas.

The application has been submitted to Medway Council by Grandera Homes, with Bloomfields Chartered Town Planners and says the “sustainable development” will provide “new housing in an appropriate location, in a borough that is currently unable to meet its housing requirements.”

The site had been home to the former Arethusa Venture Centre run by charity Shaftesbury Young People which closed its doors in 2019.

It boasted grass pitches, a swimming pool, an indoor community hall and dormitories for overnight stays.

Built in 1935, in recent years the centre was used by schools offering climbing, kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding.

The Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen Mother both included the centre on their itineraries when visiting Medway.

In 2022 KentOnline reported how a deal to sell the site was in its final stages and how there had been speculation the land would become housing

At the time, spokeswoman for Shaftesbury Young People Johanna Tompsett said: “We approached other charities with a view to continuing as an activity centre, but sadly none thought it was a viable option as it has fallen into dilapidation.

"We know it means a lot to local residents and we have done our best to find the best deal."