A building once home to a nursery which closed suddenly and left dozens of families in the lurch is to be sold at auction later this month.

The Sunflower Nursery in Jenkins Dale, Chatham, will form part of Clive Emson’s July auction after sitting empty for more than 18 months after the abrupt closure.

With a guide price of £350,000, the property consists of four classrooms spread across two floors as well as multiple toilets – including a disabled facility – and a double-height soft play area.

It also benefits from a kitchen with a dining area, a sizeable car park and a garden to the rear of the building – with the auctioneer advising the site could be suitable for a wide range of business ideas.

A Clive Emson spokesman said: “Given its good sized plot, providing yard and car parking facilities, it may have the potential for a number of different uses which may include manufacturing light industrial/warehousing, subject to all necessary consents being obtainable.

“It is situated in a small commercial enclave in a residential area close to Chatham town centre. The property is well-presented with good natural light and ideal for continued use.”

Previously known as Kidstreet Nursery, it operated as a day nursery for 18 years before its closure and had originally been used as a warehouse.

About 48 families and seven members of staff were left with a frantic search for new childcare and jobs when Harps Nurseries, which owned The Sunflower, gave just a few days’ notice of the decision in January 2023.

Bosses at the firm claimed it was becoming an "increasing struggle" to provide high-quality care and education for children due to recruitment difficulties which would leave it unable to comply with Ofsted regulations.

It was also revealed a number of staff had recently resigned, but the reason for this was never disclosed.

In a letter sent to parents, Harps Nurseries said the decision was made with "deep regret and sadness".

It said: "As a company we have actively tried to fill these positions but unfortunately, no success.

"We have enjoyed watching your children grow and develop into the wonderful little people they are today. We are sure they will shine bright in their future.

"We hope you understand the decision was not made lightly and we apologise for the inconvenience this will cause and the upset this will bring to the children, parents and staff.

"We understand this will come as a shock to you, and we apologise for the short notice and any frustration or inconvenience caused."

An inspection of the nursery by Ofsted in September 2022 rated it as “Good”.

The auction for the property will begin on July 22 and finish two days later.