Borough SPRING & SUMMER

2025

The Community Magazine from Maidstone Borough Council

CHRISTMAS DONATION HUB

CHARITY COMMUNITY UPDATE
CHILDREN’S REPAIR CAFÉ
WHAT’S ON IN MAIDSTONE
COUNCIL HOUSE
BUILDING PROGRAMME

PRIDE IN OUR BOROUGH

 “Now I’ve got a gas boiler, it’s
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CLOSER TO
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0300 777 2600
[email protected]
Letter from the Editor
Hello,
In this issue...
Editor’s Letter & Contents
Welcome to the Borough Insight
Magazine Spring/Summer 2025.
In this community edition of the Christmas Donation Hub & Charities 4-7
magazine, we look back at some of Age UK Maidstone, Blackthorn Trust, Family Food Banks,
the events and projects that Maidstone Fusion Healthy Living Centre, MADM, Maidstone Community
Support Centre, Mid-Kent Mind, St. Faith’s Community Centre,
Borough Council (MBC) has supported in the
The Princess Project, Wishing Hearts and Street Pastors
past few months and look forward to things happening
Tackling Nuisance Bikes, Charity Defibrillators,
here in the spring and summer.
KCC & NHS Sustainable Travel Solutions, 8
We have a packed calendar planned across the borough
this year including the annual Walking Festival,
an amazing Medieval Fayre, a selection of children’s Greening & Lighting Projects – Town Centre 9
workshops at Maidstone Museum and the ever popular Pond De-Silting, Flood Alerts 10
Brenchley Garden Bandstand Concerts return for Reflection on Eco Hub, Children’s Repair Café 11
another series this summer. Food Bins, Win £50 Voucher, Garden Waste Changes 12
Waste Crime - Fly Tipping Boxley, Langley Beck 13
MBC is working again with the Hazlitt Theatre on our
Outdoor Theatre Tour when families will get the chance
to enjoy professional performances locally. This year’s
Maidstone Museum Events & Eurovision Quiz Night 14
production is a brilliant adaptation of Wind in the Willows
Maidstone Museum 80s Disco 15
when the cast will be heading to an area near you.
What’s On Spring & Summer in Maidstone 16
In this edition you can read about the fantastic response Lockmeadow Entertainment Complex 17
that the MBC Maidstone Christmas Donation Hub had Maidstone Market, Leisure Centre Wins Award,
when it was in The Mall last year. We also hear from the New Tenents at Lockmeadow 18
charities that the project supported and the difference Maidstone’s Big Day Out, Computers4Charities, Devolution 19
your donations made to the people of Maidstone they Smoke Free Spaces 20
were able to help - thanks to your generosity. Supporting Young People - MidKent College Feature 21
LitFest Update & Black History Month Celebration 22
You can also find out about food waste separation,
Bees at Cobtree Manor Park, Mote Park Art Competition 23
recycling and how you could win a £50 voucher when
Heart of Kent Walking Festival 24
you take part in the food waste competition and
purchase a food bin bundle.
I hope you enjoy reading this edition of the Borough Council House Building Programme 25
Insight. LOC8, Local Plan Review 26
Supporting The Business Terrace 27
With best wishes,
Innovation Centre Two New Tenants 28
Julie Private Sector Leasing Scheme (PSL) 29
Mayoral Roundup 30
(MBC Communications Manager)
Keep in Touch

Meet the MBC Editorial Team Your Councillors, Contact the Council 31
Editors: Julie Maddocks, Ella Watkins, Peter Cooper Cynthia Robertson – Honorary Alderman 31
Design: Sue Fuller

maidstoneboroughcouncil maidstonebc

maidstonebc maidstonecouncil

See Page 31 for our full contact list

Front cover: The River Medway

At time of going to press all information is correct
Printed on recyclable paper

www.maidstone.gov.uk 3
 Christmas Donation Hub - a huge success,
thanks to the people of Maidstone
In November, the MBC Communications Team opened the Christmas Donation
Hub to help people struggling with the rising cost of living who couldn’t afford
to celebrate the festive season.
Based in The Mall shopping centre, the Hub was opened
to help some of the most vulnerable residents across
the borough and provide them with things they really
Age UK Maidstone said:
needed. Along with gifts for children and the elderly “We aimed to reach as many
facing Christmas on their own, donations were also people as possible – particularly
made to people in temporary accommodation including those who were in need and
decorations, toiletries and sanitary products. vulnerable over the Christmas
period. We were overwhelmed
Open for a month, the volunteers who ran the Hub saw by the impact distributing these
incredible acts of kindness by the people of Maidstone gifts had and how many people
who generously donated around 5,000 items worth it helped - 205 in total.
£25,000. All the gifts were given to ten local charities
who shared them with their communities. “In addition to delivering gifts, we were able to use
some of the donations to put on a free prize draw
Demonstrating the strength of local community support during our day care groups, which provided some
for the Hub, local business Sam Peacock Landscaping wonderful festive fun!
donated a ‘trolley full’ of gifts and told the team:
“We think it’s amazing that Maidstone Borough Council “All recipients of the donations were older people
is supporting local charities and helping those who from the Maidstone community. The gifts reached
are finding it difficult at that time of year. We believe people who were bereaved, those who did not live
all children deserve to have something to open on near family so were lonely over Christmas, people
Christmas morning and by donating some toys we hope with dementia and other health issues.
this brings some joy to them this Christmas.”
“They were all so happy, appreciative and
overwhelmed. It gave our clients a real boost during
the festive period, reminding them that they are not
alone and the community around them care. It really
did have a positive impact on their mental health
and wellbeing, thank you!“

The volunteers were the backbone of the Hub with

93 people helping out from across MBC, The Mall
staff, partner organisations and Maidstone residents.
The team behind the project would like to say a huge
thank you to everyone who helped with their amazing
donations and volunteered.

4 www.maidstone.gov.uk
Blackthorn Trust Fusion Healthy Living
Founded over 35 years ago, Fusion Healthy Living
Blackthorn Trust is a Maidstone- Centre is based in Park
based Health and Community Hub Wood and offers various
where people can recover and health and wellbeing
grow. services supporting the
people of Maidstone.
The charity applied to be involved The team run various
in the Christmas Donation Hub activities and events for
so that they could put together all ages throughout the
Christmas goody bags for their local people with year welcoming everyone
mental health and long-term physical conditions. to the centre.
Through the donations made, Blackthorn was able Using donations made to the Christmas Hub, Fusion’s
to help 40 people from across Maidstone aged original goal was to give 50 disadvantaged children
between 16 and 76. The goody bags included food presents, but because they received so many
treats, toiletries, mindfulness books, socks, gloves donations were able to almost triple that number.
and chocolates.
Chloe Hubbard, Community Project Coordinator at
The Blackthorn Trust team said that the Hub was Fusion said: “We usually approach one local school/
a great opportunity to increase awareness of the nursery but this year we were able to approach four
charity, their social enterprise (café, charity shop – thanks to the generosity of the people who gave
and plant nursery) and the work that they do to the Donation Hub. We are extremely grateful as we
supporting local people. The charity added that were able to increase our provision for those in need.
the project also gave them a great chance for their
volunteers to get involved and give some of their “Honestly, the donations have been incredible
time in helping in the Hub, who all really enjoyed and we are so overwhelmed by the generosity.
their time getting to meet some of the people who Thank you so so much for including Fusion,
were helping their service. it’s been absolutely amazing!”

Family Food Banks MADM

The Family Food Banks collected donations on Making a Difference to Maidstone (MADM), helps
behalf of the Maidstone Family Hubs which provide people to find freedom from suffering poverty,
universal and targeted Family Support Services to homelessness, addiction, social isolation,
several areas across the borough. disadvantage, and crisis. It was one of the chosen
local organisations the Hub supported.
As part of the application to take part in the project,
Family Food Banks told MBC how they specialise Rob Foley, Operations Manager at MADM said: “We
in food support, and that very often at that time of were able to support the Maidstone Family Hub with
year utility costs rise and families have to make the their Christmas party by donating toys we received
difficult decision to heat or eat. from the MBC Donation Hub to the children and
families they work with who are really struggling.
Ian Townsend-Blazier, Head of Development added:
The free toys allow the families to be able to give to
“When you then add all the extra demands the
their children at Christmas.
Christmas period brings and the expectations
families feel they have to manage, often we see “Another client, a single mum with a little girl came
them getting in to large debts or having to sacrifice to us for help with food and opened up about not
the ability to provide their children with a nice gift. knowing how she is going to buy any presents for
We would like to be considered for the MBC appeal, her daughter. Her face lit up when I asked her to
so we can not only provide a family with food, but follow me to our Toy Bank. The mum was able to
also a gift to make happy memories.” take three toys to wrap for her daughter’s Christmas
presents.”

www.maidstone.gov.uk 5
 Maidstone Community Mid Kent Mind
Support Centre Maidstone Mid Kent Mind work in the local
community to promote social inclusion for people
Based in Marsham Street the centre who experience mental health problems.
has many visitors on a daily basis,
for therapy, support or training, and They became ‘Father Christmas’ by giving the gifts
regulars who use the café. so generously donated by Maidstone residents
to 69 families. 19 people who went along to their
The centre gave the donations they received to some Christmas party enjoyed the festive food donations
of the older people who use the café each day and and the Christmas trees and decorations created a
children coming in for specialist counselling or wonderful festive atmosphere in the rooms they use.
development checks.
Sam Read, Head of Services said: “As a charity we
Chief Executive Tad Taberer said: “People were found the whole experience of the hub so uplifting.
genuinely surprised and happy to receive gifts. Not just the kind donations but the communication
I think for me, seeing children who have come in for with the team at MBC, the regular volunteering at
specialist trauma counselling smiling when they The Mall, meeting those donating and connecting
received something unexpected was probably the with other charities. I feel this initiative brought the
most rewarding.” community together. Watching recipients receive
their gifts and listening to their heartwarming
The centre also donated a large number of the gifts stories of opening them is very humbling. I would
to Five Acre Wood Special Needs School. Hannah be grateful if you would kindly pass on my thanks
Juden, fundraiser at the school said: “We received to all involved at MBC and The Mall for making this
a variety of fantastic donations which included Christmas truly special in so many ways for so many
clothes, games, craft activities, toys, and books. in our community.
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing community
for their incredible generosity in donating gifts to “The generosity enabled us to give those who were
our pupils. Your kindness and support truly made alone at Christmas a package of gifts which they
a difference to our pupils this Christmas.” have told us made them feel so valued and loved
by the community in which they live.”

Maidstone Street Pastors Many of those supported are socially isolated and
would be spending Christmas alone. Some told Mid
Maidstone is the clubbing capital of Kent with Kent Mind this was the first year in as long as they
thousands of party goers on a Saturday night. could remember they had a gift to open.
Street Pastors work closely alongside the police, Others suffer with very low self esteem and have
paramedics and the ‘Urban Blue’ bus project to little self worth. The kindness of strangers was
provide emotional, spiritual and practical support felt and expressed and has done a lot to boost
to those in need. the wellbeing of those
Launched in October 2008, the pastors quickly people.
established themselves as an integral part of A comment received from
the Saturday night time economy. Excellent one of the recipients:
relationships have been built up with door staff,
police and the Saturday night revelers. The Pastor’s “You are kind.
aim, to be ‘lights in the darkness’, has been warmly The presents are lovely,
received. and I felt happier. It is
very thoughtful; this sort
They also help people living temporarily on the of thing really matters
streets and have used donations from the MBC to people. It continues
Christmas Donation Hub of instant pot noodles and the circle of security
cup-a-soups to provide hot food to any homeless. and friendship. Not just
People are so grateful for the help the Street presents, but words, and making sure that we are
Pastors are able to give them and for the very safe that is important. Thank you.”
welcome food.

6 www.maidstone.gov.uk
 Wishing Hearts Charity -
Granting wishes for elderly
people in Maidstone
Founded in 2021 with a mission to combat
loneliness in older people, the Wishing Hearts
charity connects people through great experiences
to help combat loneliness.
Their mission is to give
older people a space in
society, helping them to
form social networks
and get back into the
community whilst
The Princess Project promoting independence
and activeness.
The Princess Project charity Their work provides
helps to improve lives of choices; giving older people
mums by providing a package a platform to enjoy and embrace their life.
of physical, emotional, social
and spiritual support by giving They run a Christmas Care Package campaign each
unconditional love, support and year where they donate care packages to elderly
encouragement. people living in the community and in care homes
who might be struggling with loneliness, a lack of
With gifts donated from the Hub a social network or various health issues that are
they helped 132 children from impacting their lives.
68 disadvantaged families across the borough.
They gave gifts to parents struggling to afford When given their packages,
Christmas, so they could take them away and wrap many elderly people living
them for their children. Due to the huge amount of in care homes became
donations received, this exceeded their original aim emotional with happy tears
of supporting just 30 families. because they couldn’t believe
they had received a gift.
They said: “The gifts we were given were such lovely
quality, and were a real blessing to the families that This year, thanks to the
received them - it was so nice for them to be able to generous donations received
choose beautiful items that they knew their children from the Christmas Donation Hub they were also
would love. Thank you to the generous people of able to help around 150 people in Fant, Barming,
Maidstone for putting so many smiles on little faces Loose, Linton, Senacre and Parkwood as well as
this Christmas!” supporting other organisations such as Spadeworks
Dementia Group, Loose Valley Care Home, Reengage
and Yew Tree Lodge.

www.maidstone.gov.uk 7
 Safer Maidstone Charity Defibrillators
operation tackling
on the Medway
dangerous and The Council has worked with officers
nuisance bikes from Kent Police who raised more
than £3,000 through a charity cycle
The Safer Maidstone Partnership ride to fund the installation of three
(SMP) is supporting a successful defibrillators beside the River Medway.
initiative from Maidstone Police
to combat nuisance and dangerous PC Nick Lingham, alongside 20
bike activity. Last summer, 20 bikes others including colleagues and
were seized, and this year, the aim friends, cycled more than 360 miles
is to seize even more if necessary. in 12 hours to raise funds for the
life-saving equipment after being
Operation Deplete, originally led by inspired by his late colleague and friend, PC Adrian Debnam.
Kent Police and now supported by
the SMP as part of a wider initiative, The money the team raised has meant that three defibrillators have now
utilises specialist teams, technology been installed at Fairmeadow, beside Freedom Fitness Leisure Centre,
such as drones, and information and outside The Malta Inn.
provided by community support to
help improve safety and wellbeing
across the borough. KCC and Maidstone Hospital
The operation, launched to address team up to encourage sustainable travel
residents’ concerns about the
danger and disruption caused by A new map aimed at encouraging staff
illegal bikes, quadbikes, and similar and visitors to travel on foot or wheel
vehicles, will significantly impact to Maidstone Hospital is now available.
offenders and demonstrate the The map highlights how far it takes to
power of collaborative working. travel in 15 to 30 minutes, by walking or
With an awareness and education cycling, to and from Maidstone Hospital
campaign also planned to further The first of its kind for Kent, the map has
strengthen the operation, the public been delivered in partnership with KCC
is being urged to continue to report Explore Kent and Maidstone & Tunbridge
any concerns or incidents. Wells NHS Trust.
If you are concerned about or With 7,000 members of staff working
have witnessed illegal off-road at the hospital, and a number of schools
riding, please report it via 101, or and colleges in the area, the local network
Crimestoppers if you wish to remain has been known to become congested
anonymous. with traffic. The hope is that this
map will encourage more people
Residents can also learn more travelling to the hospital to walk
about this and other campaigns or wheel where possible.
by subscribing to ‘My Community
Voice’, where local officers keep The map can be found
people up to date on how they are on the Explore Kent website.
reducing antisocial behaviour and https://explorekent.org/
keeping Maidstone safe. activities/maidstone-hospital-
active-travel-map/
In addition free Park & Ride
services have been introduced
between Allington and the
hospital.

8 www.maidstone.gov.uk
Greening
the Town Centre
A new project to “green” the Town Centre has now begun to enhance the
appearance of the High Street and improve biodiversity.
Work has started on Jubilee and Remembrance Squares in the town, with
paved areas being replaced with permanent planting. The planting will
be concentrated around the existing trees and seating in the Squares to
create a more tranquil environment for visitors to the town to stop and
enjoy. Native planting will be used to attract bees and insects into the heart
of Maidstone.
To further enhance biodiversity and create green corridors through the
town centre, MBC is also installing 19 Living Pillars in the High Street. This
is an innovative design which attaches planting, along with insect and bird
boxes around street lighting columns. Solar powered with re-circulating
irrigation; they are a sustainable solution to the challenges of planting in
our streets.
The project is funded from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Other green initiatives are planned over the next few years when further
funding becomes available to extend biodiversity corridors along Week
Street towards Brenchley Gardens and down Earl Street to the River
Medway.
Living Pillars | Scotscape

Improving Lighting
MBC was awarded £400,000 by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to develop
and progress a Greening and Lighting Strategy for the town centre.
Improved lighting re-engages people with hidden parts of a town and
can turn underused areas into new outdoor social spaces which are safe,
attractive, and inclusive. The Council has identified a number of areas to be
improved. The aim is to create a safe trail, connecting spaces where people
can follow areas of interest along both sides of the river nearest to the
town centre.
MBC has been working with consultants to develop a scheme that will
repair and bring back existing lighting assets into working order, and
provide enhancements to current lighting.
The enhancements would include downlighters, and a central management
lighting system along with restoration and replacement of existing lighting.
Areas that are being looked at as part of the project include Brenchley
Gardens, Week Street, Gabriels Hill, Archbishops Palace and gardens
across the Millennium Bridge to Lockmeadow. Works are due to start
in spring this year.

www.maidstone.gov.uk 9
 WASTE SPECIAL

Three ponds de-silted

in Maidstone
Make preparations
MBC Parks and Open Spaces Team for possible flooding
has been delivering a project to Everyone is encouraged to take steps and prepare for potential flooding.
remove silt from three ponds in
Maidstone to their original depths The Environment Agency (EA) provides flood alerts that warn people of the
and use the silt to create new risk of flooding from rivers, the sea and groundwater. Residents will be
habitats for wildlife and breeding alerted by phone, email or text when flooding is expected.
birds.
There are 5,370 properties at risk of flooding across the borough
The works at Mote Park, of Maidstone, but only 1,406 people (27%) are signed up.
Whatman Park and Mallards Way in
Downswood have been carried out It is the responsibility of the resident to protect their property and
by contractor AGA Group Enviro-Fix equipment against flooding. If anyone believes their home is at risk they
Limited, using low impact should purchase sandbags from builders’ merchants and store them
machinery to minimise ground at home ready to use if there’s a problem.
damage and disturbance to current Preventative steps for possible flooding include:
habitats and wildlife.
• Signing up for flood warnings
The three ponds were all suffering
flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings
from various aspects of deterioration
so this important project aimed to • Having a flood kit of essential items at home
reduce erosion, boost wildlife and • Check the Environment Agency website for flood warning information
enhance biodiversity. flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings
The work being carried out is • Report any blockages in watercourses to the EA through a free 24-hour
already making a huge difference incident hotline: 0800 80 70 60
to the wildlife and has greatly • Keeping up to date on social media: @EnvAgencySE
improved all three ponds.
Flood warnings in England are provided by the Environment Agency who
Works started in September 2024 at constantly measure rainfall, river levels and sea conditions to forecast the
Whatman Park, then moved to Mote likelihood of flooding.
Park and finished at Mallards Way.
All works were carried out within When areas across the borough are at risk of flooding MBC supports
current ecological guidelines in line the Environment Agency to carry out humanitarian responsibilities.
with the Wildlife and Countryside
Act 1981.
The benefits of the proposed
improvements align with MBC
Climate change and Biodiversity
Strategies.

Mote Park Before

Mote Park After

10 www.maidstone.gov.uk
Maidstone’s Eco Hub 2024 Children’s
Maidstone’s Eco Hub 2024 opened in The Mall, between 26 October and 9
November 2024. It proved to be a huge success welcoming over a thousand Repair Café
visitors. This was the third year of the pop-up information centre organised Children’s Repair Café workshops
by MBC along with eco-conscious community groups and organisations were held at the MBC Eco Hub
from across the borough and focussed on sustainability-related topics. when children aged between 10
Organised by Maidstone Art Collective, the ‘We Are Nature Art Competition’ and 14 were invited to go along and
was part of the project and saw 41 entries with 12 shortlisted and displayed learn how to mend broken toys and
in the Eco Hub – adding a wonderful splash of creativity and colour. gadgets.

There were an amazing 53 volunteers at the Hub from various organisations Maidstone’s Repair Cafe held
including the Maidstone CAN, the Parish and Maidstone Climate Emergency two pop-ups in the Hub, offering
Networks (MCEN). Others joined independently, creating a connected a snapshot of the amazing work
community across the borough. they do with textile and electrical
repairs with Maidstone Climate
Stalls were hosted by groups including Solar Together, MCEN, South East Action Network (CAN). Team repair
Water, MidKent College, Green Doctors and Citizen’s Advice. workshops were held for the next
generation of up-cyclers.
The Council would like to say a huge thank you to The Mall for supporting
the project, and to all the wonderful organisations and businesses who The workshops brought specialists
were involved in and to the amazing volunteers who made the Hub possible. together who taught young people
how to mend things. They were
given the opportunity to learn how
to restore broken items that they
may have otherwise thrown away
and ended up in landfill.

www.maidstone.gov.uk 11
 Buy a £10 food Changes to the Garden
bin package
and have the
Waste Scheme
The Council is changing the way it charges for garden waste and is
chance to win a introducing a new annual permit for residents to attach to their garden bin.
The permit will run from 1 July to 30 June every year.
£50 gift voucher The garden waste service has been running for over 20 years in Maidstone
MBC is running a food waste and is popular with many residents as an easy way to recycle grass
promotion - purchase a 23 litre cuttings, prunings, and leaves. The service is one of the cheapest in
food bin, 5 litre kitchen caddy Kent and has around 30,000 subscribers, collecting 10,000 tonnes of
(colours may vary), and a roll of compostable material per year. All of which is treated locally and reused
compostable food bags for only £10. as a compost.

Each order is entered into a Over the next 18 months, all subscribers will move to the new annual
monthly prize draw, giving the permit when their current renewal is due. Permits will start being sent out
opportunity to win a £50 gift voucher. from July 2025 and will include instructions on where it must be placed on
(Terms and Conditions apply). the bin.

All food waste is treated at the During the transition to the new scheme, residents will receive a reminder
Anaerobic Digestion plant at Blaize when their subscription is due. If renewals are within three months
Farm processing facility on the of the start of July, a renewal will be sent until July 2026. For example,
A228 near Kings Hill which provides if a subscription ends in April, households will be sent a renewal for 15
power for the national grid and months at the prorated charge.
compost soil improver to be used
New subscribers are always welcome and will be charged a prorated rate
on local farms.
in the first year, based on when they join. For example, if someone starts
Separating food waste is one of the the scheme in September 2025 they will be charged pro-rata until July
best ways to reduce your carbon 2026, and then start the full annual subscription to continue to run July
footprint. to June in the following years.
Residents are also able to subscribe to more than one bin (maximum three
per property), and will be provided with a permit for each bin.
Any residents who have a garden bin but do not currently have a
subscription to the service should contact the Council immediately.
Only bins with an active subscription will be emptied. Those who do not
subscribe to the service have the option to join or request the removal
of the bin.
Sign up for the fortnightly collection now.
Email: [email protected] for more information or call 01622 602600

Garden Waste Permit

Your Garden Waste Permit is valid until:

30 June 2026
Subscription Address:

For more information on Garden Waste scan the QR code or visit the website
www.maidstone.gov.uk/garden-bins

Order your pack today via:

maidstone.gov.uk/new-bins

12 www.maidstone.gov.uk
MBC prosecutes Boxley landowner
The Council has successfully achieved prosecution against a landowner
in the North Kent Downs National Landscape at Bell Lane in Boxley,
after it was littered with commercial and industrial waste for years, leaving
the land contaminated.
The Bell Lane site – which stretches across In line with this order, Mr Beck’s suspended prison
a significant area of more than 36 acres, was blighted sentence states he is to stop living on the land and
by the landowner, Mr Langley Beck, as a result of illegal clear it up within 18 months. If he has not done so, the
dumping and burning. Council can return to the court to seek imprisonment.

MBC has been trying to resolve the issue with the Officers from MBC’s Planning Enforcement, Community
landowner and started legal action in 2021 against Protection and Waste Crime Teams, the Environment
Mr Beck who previously ignored requirements of an Agency, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Kent Police
Enforcement Notice in 2014 to stop living on the land all worked together to achieve the sentence.
and the unlawful disposal of waste, car parts, other
industrial items and to restore the area.
Mr Beck was sentenced with criminal proceedings
against him on 15 August 2024 when the Recorder HHJ
Smith at Maidstone County Court fined him £60,000,
awarded costs to the Council of £40,000 and a victim
surcharge of £170. Mr Beck was given 12 months to
pay the costs and will serve 16 months in prison if he
fails to do so.
The Council began legal proceedings to prevent
further serious harm to the site - located within land
designated as a National Landscape, (formally an Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty), an Ancient Woodland
and covered by a Tree Preservation Order. The Council
initially obtained a High Court Interim Injunction in 2021
and later secured a Full Injunction.

www.maidstone.gov.uk 13
 What’s On

Eurovision
12 February - 10 May Japan: A Floating World in Print
28 March 90s Quiz Night

Comes to 29 March
2 April
Mothers Day at the Museum: Tea & Scones
Stories & Rhymes
the Museum 5 April The Soul Intention Disco

What is your Eurovision 11 April Board Games Night

knowledge like? If you 12 April Local History Fair
know Puppet on a String 12 April The Old Shop of Curiosities:
or the year ABBA won Improv by No Name Nomads
with Waterloo, then why 17 April Manga Workshop
not head to the Maidstone
26 April Observatory Tour
Museum for a dedicated
Eurovision Quiz on Friday 30 April Anti-Dating App Happy Hour
16 May between 7-9pm? 3 May The Boy & The Heron Movie Night
Tickets are £5 per person 7 May Stories & Rhymes
with a welcome drink and
16 May Eurovision Song Contest Quiz
snacks provided, with a
prize for the winning table. 17 May Carriage Museum Tour
17 May Eurovision Song Contest: Live
Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is
the 69th edition of the competition, 24 May - 28 June Claude Exhibition
scheduled to take place in Basel,
Switzerland, following the 4 June Stories & Rhymes
country’s victory in 2024. 21 June Midsommar Movie Night
Carrying on the Eurovision fun, 2 July Stories & Rhymes
and as part of the Museum Lates’
Events programme, everyone is
invited to watch the competition Why not join in and head to the Museum? Dress up for the occasion
on the big screen in the historic and don’t forget to bring your flags to cheer on your favourites.
Bentlif Library.
The fun starts at 7.45pm on Saturday 17 May. Tickets are £5 with
The song contest has become a welcome drink on arrival and everyone is invited to bring their own
a popular social event when drinks and snacks for the event.
friends get together to celebrate
and watch the 38 countries To book tickets and find out more
compete for the winners title. go to the website: www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk

14 www.maidstone.gov.uk
1980s Disco ome to Life!
Saw Maidstone Museum C
Maidstone Museum saw crowds of enthusiastic visitors The 80s Disco was the first
dance as if nobody was watching when they joined DJ celebration event organised
Debora V for an evening of 80’s dance hits and retro hits! by the Museum team and
was held following on
The event was a great success and saw partygoers from the trip back in time
dig out their ‘Wham Choose Life’ T-shirts, dust off ‘I Grew Up 80s’ summer
fluorescent leggings, back comb their hair and get 2024 exhibition which was
footloose for some banging tunes. a lovingly curated time
capsule showcasing the
youthful exuberance of the
much-loved decade .
After the huge success of the 80s Disco, another
‘party event’ has been organised to take place in the
Maidstone Museum - ‘The Soul Intention’ on Saturday
5 April, 7.30-11pm; a ticketed event (£15 per person), it
is open to over 18’s with a limited payable bar provided
by CraftBrewed available on the night.
As well as being one of the most beautiful historic
buildings in the town centre, Maidstone Museum has
many areas and rooms that can be used and booked
for private hire; it is an ideal venue to host corporate
meetings, private events and children’s birthday
parties. The facilities are perfect for businesses
and individuals, alike. The experienced team at the
Museum can provide everything needed to ensure
that events run smoothly.
To book a ticket for ‘The Soul Intention,’ find out about
venue hire or to contact the Museum team to discuss
plans and requirements go to the website:
www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk

www.maidstone.gov.uk 15
 What’s On
in
Maidstone &

Spring & Summer Events 2025

21 - 30 March 8 June
Walking Festival Walk for Parkinsons
Borough Wide Mote Park
5 - 20 April 14 June
Spring into Easter Maidstone’s Big Day Out
Kent Life Parks & Open Spaces in the borough
5 - 21 April 12 July
Family Easter Trail Maidstone Arts Carnival
Leeds Castle Town Centre
12 April 26 July
Medieval Fayre Maidstone River Festival
Brenchley Gardens Town Centre
8 - 10 May 27 July, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Aug
VE Day 80th Anniversary Bandstand Concerts
Celebrations Brenchley Gardens
Town Centre
16 - 24 August
17 May Outdoor Theatre ‘Wind in the Willows’
Mayor Making & Civic Parade Borough Wide
Town Centre
24 - 26 May For booking details go to the
The Queen’s Joust VisitMaidstone.com website
Leeds Castle

Sign Up to the MBC What’s On e-newsletter for up to date information on

events taking place across the borough. Visit: maidstone.gov.uk/StayConnected
add your email address and tick all the topics you are interested in.

16 www.maidstone.gov.uk
 FREE
PARKING
on Sundays
& after 6:30pm
Mon - Sat

I S I T fo r ...
V ow l ● V R World
it y ● H o llywood B
e C in e m a ● Grav
u x
ODEON L
A s ia n – American
T h a i – I n dian – Pan
–
: M ex ic a n – Italian
od
Street Fo ● G reat Films
o o d
e a t F u n ● Great F
r
t Films ●
G
● G re a
ood
● Great F

EnTErTaInmEnT,
food and lEISurE
undEr onE roof
locaTEd nExT To
ThE rIVEr mEdway
• Coffee shop & bakery
• Street Food restaurants (dog-friendly)
• Outside play area
• Live music and events
• Disability access

FIND US AT MAIDSTONE ME16 8SF

LOCKMEADOWENTERTAINMENT.CO.UK

www.maidstone.gov.uk 17
 Maidstone Market
Use It, Don’t Lose It
Keeping markets open in the UK is essential for preserving community
identity, supporting local economies, and promoting sustainability. Markets
are more than just places to shop; they are local landmarks fostering
social connections and bringing people together. They provide a vital
platform for small businesses, farmers, and artisans to thrive, helping
to sustain local economies.
Markets also offer fresh, locally sourced produce and goods, reducing
reliance on large supply chains and supporting environmentally friendly
practices.
Supporting and keeping markets open helps invest in sustainable
practices, economic resilience and communities.
Why not pay a visit to Maidstone Market – you’ll probably be surprised
at how much you can save by supporting your local market.
Maidstone Market runs every Tuesday and Saturday 7.30am – 1pm,
Market Hall, Barker Road, ME16 8LW.

Leisure Centre Wins Award Welcome to

Maidstone Leisure Centre has won The National Water Leisure Venue of the New Tenants at
Lockmeadow!
Year in the UK Pool & Spa Awards!
The centre and all the staff should feel incredibly proud of this prestigious
award. The work of Council teams, in close partnership with SERCO, Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre
continues to deliver a great facility and services for Maidstone residents. is delighted to welcome two new
tenants this year.
Following a Council investment of £2m, refurbishment works to the centre
have included the addition of an Aztec-themed Splash Pad, featuring Cece’s Rainbow Kids Nursery for
a variety of interactive water elements including slides and water cannons. 1-11 year olds, will open in the old
Feathers pub site and will provide
The Leisure Centre benefitted from the multimillion-pound upgrade project
essential childcare for Maidstone
during 2024, following the contract extension with Maidstone Leisure Trust
families. Home cooked meals will
and Serco Leisure.
be provided with qualified staff
To find out more information and to book a session or hire for a birthday to support children with special
party, visit the website: www.maidstoneleisure.com educational needs and disabilities.
In the former Frankie & Benny’s
unit, Cycles UK will relocate from
Lower Stone Street, bringing with
it a strong reputation for providing
quality bikes and friendly service
with a cycle repair workshop.
Both are due to open in the Spring.

18 www.maidstone.gov.uk
Maidstone’s Big Day Out Transforming
The Council is inviting everyone to get out and enjoy lives with
amazing parks and open spaces to be part of the
first community ‘Big Day Out.’
Being held on Saturday 14 June 2025, the one-day festival is being held
to celebrate the outdoor areas found across the borough.
MBC is partnering with ‘Maidstone’s Big Day Out’ encouraging as many Computers4Charity is a leading
people as possible to discover the Council’s 60 parks and open spaces, UK technology charity and social
take part in the day and organise their own events. enterprise based in the Powerhub,
St Peters Street, Maidstone. The
Teaming up with Maidstone CAN (Climate Action Network), ‘Maidstone’s team securely and safely refurbish
Big Day Out’ is taking place during the national ‘Great Big Green Week’ unwanted or surplus laptops,
a project which is held so that everyone can experience and enjoy the computers or old IT equipment and
natural beauty of some amazing open spaces. donate it to charity causes across
the UK.
Organisations, local businesses, communities and all the residents of
Maidstone are invited to take part in the 2025 festival and register their Each device is given a second life
interest by emailing: [email protected] through upgrade means a new one
does not have to be manufactured
To find out more about the festival, how to take part and register your and over 80% of a computer’s
event as part of the day please visit the website: Maidstone’s Big Day Out carbon footprint is in its production;
every refurbished laptop saves the
planet from 150kg of CO2 emissions
and each desktop 250kg of CO2.
They offer a Carbon Emission
Reduction Certificates to help
people achieve Net Zero.
The reconditioned computers are
more capable than equivalently
priced new devices, just as reliable
and far better for the environment -
available for all customers to buy.
For more information visit:
www.computers4charity.org

Councils are Changing programme and Ministers are first

requiring that progress is made on
MBC has a ‘devolution’ webpage at
maidstone.gov.uk to keep people
The English Devolution White Paper Local Government Reorganisation. informed of progress and provide
published in December 2024 sets any opportunities to contribute
The Leaders of all the Kent Councils
out how the government plans to when consultation is carried out.
have been asked to come up with
transfer power and money out of
a proposal as to how the county
Westminster through to regional
of Kent including Medway could
Strategic Authorities with elected
be divided into unitary authorities,
mayors, and alongside this, carry out
where the responsibilities of district
Local Government Reorganisation in
councils are combined with those of
areas with both county and district
the county council. This will provide
councils.
integrated services to populations
The timeline and process for of around 500,000 people. An initial
devolution to be achieved remains proposition is to be submitted to
to be set out. Kent is not part of the government by 21 March and full
government’s devolution priority proposals by 28 November.

www.maidstone.gov.uk 19
 s
R E E Space
eF
Smoke Free Spaces Smok
No
Smok
ing
No
Vapin
g

The Council is launching a new initiative for Smoke

Free Spaces in Maidstone; these are outdoor areas
where people are asked to refrain from smoking and
vaping.
keep
e help
Pleas HEALTHY
MBC is introducing spaces outside Council venues tone
Maids g or vaping in
this ar
ea

including the Town Hall, Maidstone Museum,

in
smok
by not
g,
or vapin

Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre and Maidstone

oking
quit sm line:
ady to available on -smoking/
are re s uit
If you e resource ealth/q rth it:
ar r-h wo
there k/bette well
www.
nhs.u ing: it’s
smok

Leisure Centre. pport

to quit
Get su nt.gov.uk/
ww w. ke
smok
efree

Second hand smoke, even outside, affects people’s

health. By not smoking or vaping near building
entrances, this keeps our communities healthy and
clean.
Smoke free public places also protect non-smokers
from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
They also have many other benefits, such as providing
smokers with a strong incentive to cut down or quit,
as well as discouraging people from starting to smoke.

Smokefree spaces help support

the community in four main ways:
1. Show younger generations that smoking is no
longer the norm – and stop them from ever
starting to smoke
2. Help create healthier environments for everyone
to enjoy without having to breathe in second-hand
smoke
3. Help reduce cigarette litter and waste which is toxic
to our environment, waterways, and wildlife
4. Support people who are trying to quit smoking
to stay smokefree
An event introducing Smoke Free Spaces in Maidstone
will take place on Jubilee Square between 2pm - 4pm
on Friday 28 March. Everyone is invited to take part in
the family friendly activities, as well as hearing about
support and resources that are available to help people
to stop smoking and make healthy choices.
The Smoke Free Spaces Project is funded by grants
from Kent County Council’s £1.9million share of the
Government’s ‘Stopping the Start’ funding.

20 www.maidstone.gov.uk
Supporting Young People to Explore
Their Futures - MidKent College feature:
It’s not uncommon for young people to feel unsure about their future after
finishing school. With so many options available, the pressure to ‘know what
you want to do’ can feel overwhelming. Family members and friends are in
a great position to provide support, reassurance, and practical help.
Here are some tips to help guide young people as they navigate their post-16 options:
1. Encourage exploration 4. Connect them with role models
Help them identify their interests, strengths, and If you know someone working in an industry they’re
values. What subjects do they enjoy? Do they have curious about, set up a chat or work shadowing
hobbies or skills they could develop into a career? opportunity. Hearing first-hand experiences can be
Suggest they try new activities, volunteer, or attend inspiring and informative.
career events to discover what excites them.
5. Remind them it’s okay not
2. Start the conversation
Talk to them about their thoughts and aspirations,
to know yet
but don’t pressure them to have all the answers. Reassure them that career paths are rarely linear.
Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you Their first step doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s just the
enjoy learning about?” or “What kind of work start of a journey that will evolve over time.
environment do you think you’d like?” By offering support and encouragement, you can help
the young people in your life feel more confident about
3. Research together taking that next step, whatever
Sit down and explore courses, apprenticeships, it may be.
and other opportunities. Most places to continue To learn more about how MidKent College can help,
studying hold open days where young people can visit the website www.midkent.ac.uk.
ask questions and see what’s on offer.

www.maidstone.gov.uk 21
 Maidstone Black History Month
LitFest Celebrations
The 2024 Maidstone Literary MBC celebrated Black History Month in Jubilee Square. Joining the Mayor
Festival was a huge success of Maidstone, Cllr John Perry, people were able to find out about the history
when more than 50 renowned and of African and Afro Caribbean culture, take part in drumming workshops,
emerging authors, poets, speakers decorate a bird of paradise mask or try-on traditional African costumes.
and best-selling authors including
Gyles Brandreth, Maria McErlane, There was also a Black British History exhibition at the Town Hall along with
Gill Hornby and Tim Weaver came traditional food served such as Jerk Chicken, rice and peas available to try.
to town. In the UK, Black History Month is an annual event which takes place
MBC funded the LitFest which gave every October. It is a significant occasion to recognise and celebrate the
everyone the chance to celebrate invaluable contributions of black people to British society. The theme
literature and keep the love of books this year is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ which is a call to action for Black
alive. Over 4,000 people enjoyed communities across the UK to step into the role of storytellers, historians,
50 events during the festival which and custodians of heritage.
took place in venues across the
town centre including the beautiful
Maidstone Museum, the iconic Town
Hall, All Saints Church and The Kent
History and Library Centre.
The festival also featured a diverse
program of events designed to
engage a wide audience, from
avid readers and aspiring writers
to families and schoolchildren. It
collaborated with schools and local
organisations to hold workshops,
creative writing classes, poetry
and storytelling.
The Maidstone LitFest is due to
return this autumn with another
packed calendar of events. Find
out more on the Visit Maidstone
website: www.visitmaidstone.com

22 www.maidstone.gov.uk
Cobtree’s Elephant House is buzzing! Mote Park
‘The Hive at the Elephant House’ Art Competition
The Elephant House at Cobtree Manor Park has a new The Mote Park Art Competition is
tenant, Arms Apiaries. After housing elephants for 25 now in its third year and opens for
years as part of Maidstone Zoo, up until 1959, it will entries on 1 April.
now be home to beekeeper Jason’s new business People are invited to create and
venture. submit a piece of original artwork
Jason Arms has been keeping bees for five years, that showcases their ‘Favourite
with 35 honeybee colonies spread across seven Time’ in Mote Park.
different apiaries located in Kent, from Detling to Hadlow. Artworks can be in any medium,
Arms Apiaries specialises in the safe and ethical removal of established except photography. 3D submissions
honeybee colonies from residential and commercial properties, covering including textiles, glass, pottery
Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Essex. and woodwork are particularly
welcome, as well as paintings and
Part of the unusual building will be used for honey processing and dealing drawings.
with all the beeswax collected from properties.
Prizes will be awarded in two
Jason said: “The Elephant house is categories, sponsored by Marathon
an ideal size for this expansion. I call Wealth Management:
it ‘The Hive at the Elephant House’ as
this is now my hive of operation for Over 18’s winner - £250
the business. Runner up - £100
Under 18’s winner - £100
“From here I will be extracting all the Runner up - £50
honey my honeybees produce and
jarring it, also rendering down all the The competition is open to any age
beeswax collected to make natural and the closing date for entries is
beeswax candles.” 12 September 2025. Full terms and
conditions and how to enter can be
The other part of the Elephant House found at arts.maidstone.gov.uk
has been turned into an area to run
beekeeping experiences. A number of entries will be
shortlisted to feature in an
“I will be running my exhibition which will be open to the
beekeeping experiences public and free to visit, in the Mote
from here, for people Park Learning Space from
to learn all about these Monday 20 October
amazing insects. to Saturday 1 November 2025.
“Wearing protective
suits they will open
honeybee colonies.
“Hopefully in the future,
it would be great to
have groups of school
children along to learn
about bees.”

The Courtship, by Anna-Marie Buss, 2024

Winner Over 18s category

www.maidstone.gov.uk 23
 Heart of Kent Walking Festival
Maidstone’s Heart of Kent Walking Festival returns this spring from
Friday 21 March to Sunday 30 March. Run by a collaboration of organisations,
the popular festival is led by the Events Team at the Council.

WALKI
MBC recognises how important The Heart of Kent Walking Festival is a collaboration of

NT
walking is to the people of organisations, led by Maidstone Borough Council, with
Maidstone, for their health, partners that include Kent Community Rail Partnership,
NG
O F KE

wellbeing and fitness. Long Distance Walkers Association, MJ Outdoor

The Heart of Kent Walking Adventures, Boots on Adventures, Hike South East,
FESTI

Festival has different Balfour Winery, Walk Wild, and others.

walks with lengths and
RT

VA grades planned to suit If you would like to find out more about events
HEA L
different abilities, allowing happening in the borough why not sign up to MBC
both experienced and new e-newsletters ‘Stay Connected’ to receive vital news
walkers to take part. They are run and updates via email for the many services and events
by expert guides who have amazing knowledge, many provided by the Council:
sharing information on different topics such as history, www.maidstone.gov.uk/StayConnected
flora and fauna, wellbeing and much more.
The 2025 Festival sees new and established walks
scheduled. Some of the walks are free of charge with
a fee for others to take part in.
For more information about the Heart of Kent Walking
Festival and other walks across the borough please
visit the Visit Maidstone website:
www.heartofkentwalkingfestival.org

24 www.maidstone.gov.uk
Former sites to help deliver
Council House Building Programme
The Council acquired the former Springfield Library, It will include 180 apartments and around one acre of
a redundant brownfield land located on the edge of the open town centre recreational space to be owned and
town in 2022 as part of its plan to deliver the Council managed by the Council.
House Building Programme for the local community.
MBC has been working on the make-up of the site for
The development now has planning permission and the past few years and will be acting as lead developer.
will provide a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments with £2.1m of Brownfield Land Release Fund, has already
landscaping enhancements, parking and a number been secured to finance some of the initial remedial
of renewable energy benefits. works in preparation for redevelopment.
The scheme has successfully secured £1.89m The Council is currently discussing the availability of
in Brownfield Land Release Fund monies from additional funding from the Social Housing Grant with
the Department for Local Government Homes & Homes England. This would help bring forward much
Communities, to support the regeneration of the needed affordable housing on site, essential to help
derelict site. reduce the number of households on the Council’s
housing register, currently waiting for a home.
In addition, the redevelopment of the Former Royal
Mail Sorting Office site, at Sandling Road, will deliver
against the Council House Building Programme with
a mixed-use development, predominantly residential
with 1,863m2 of commercial and/or community space
planned for a much needed NHS facility.

www.maidstone.gov.uk 25
 LOC8 business park Heathlands, Lidsing
phase two nearing
completion and Invicta Park Barracks
The LOC8 business park, just off Heathlands, Lidsing and Invicta Park Barracks are areas that have been
Junction 8 of the M20, recently won identified for major new development in the Local Plan Review 2021-2038,
‘Best Overall Scheme-Multi-Let which was adopted by Maidstone Borough Council in March 2024.
Industrial Estate’ at the 2024 IAS Work has started to prepare Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs),
Awards. for each of the three sites, which will provide further guidance about how
It is already providing many communities should be developed in the areas.
engineering, logistics and As part of the consultations, members of the public, local businesses
manufacturing job opportunities and organisations are being invited to get involved in helping to shape
as well as office-based roles, the future expectations for the three sites, with initial public consultation
offering good local jobs. expected to take place in spring this year. In addition, local schools will
Customers such as Zehnder, Hitachi also be invited to participate in the discussions.
Construction, Edmundson Electrical, A new MBC website is being created ready for the project which will
and AT&T have already joined the provide people with more details about the sites, will help keep them
scheme in phase one, with Huws informed about progress and provide opportunities to get involved.
Gray, Nivek Catering Supplies and This will be on the Council’s website: www.maidstone.gov.uk
others joining in phase two.
With excellent public transport and
road links, the mixed-use business
park is connected to Maidstone
Town Centre by a new electric bus
service and cycle lane, created to
reduce car usage in the area.
LOC8 has room for more than 1,000
employees and has been designed
to enhance nature and biodiversity
with extensive planting, new
ponds and several protected areas
for nature to thrive, creating an
attractive working area for staff Consultation © Fabrik
and businesses.
Edenbrook © Studio Maple
Partners working on the project
include Locate in Kent, developers
Clearbell and joint agents CBRE
and Caxtons along with Maidstone
Borough Council’s Economic
Development Team.
The site is bringing together many
different areas of expertise and
is offering sustainable working.
For more information please visit:
loc8maidstone.co.uk

26 www.maidstone.gov.uk
Small Business Saturday Supporting
Maidstone’s Business Terrace supported Small Business Saturday when
the MBC Economic Development Team hosted a breakfast networker
with One Maidstone (BID). The free to attend event included local guest
Maidstone
speakers encouraging everyone ‘shop local’ and support small businesses
in Maidstone.
Businesses
The Business Terrace is the Council’s
The breakfast networker reflected the work of The Business Terrace growth accelerator, providing high-
and saw over 100 people join to share perspectives on doing business quality flexible workspace and 1-2-1
in Maidstone. support to help businesses start,
Michelle Woodland, Chief Executive at One Maidstone said: “We are proud grow and thrive.
to support this event which is a reminder to shop locally and invest in the Based in the heart of Maidstone,
small businesses across the town centre. Let’s come together to show our The Business Terrace brings
appreciation and continue to support these small businesses, together like-minded individuals
not just today, but every day.” who influence, inspire and energise
Small Business Saturday is an annual campaign to celebrate and one-another. Inside, you’ll find
encourage support for small businesses across the UK and takes place more than 7,000ft² of collaborative
on first Saturday of December. It’s a grassroots, not-for-profit campaign workspace.
encouraging people up and down the country to support small businesses The flexible space stimulates
on the day, and beyond. dynamism, informal collaboration
and networking, giving established
and startup businesses everything
they need to thrive.
The Terrace also hosts the Council’s
multiple business support events,
run by the Council’s Economic
Development Team throughout
the year. These sessions provide
free expert advice in areas such as
Business Planning, Marketing and
Finance to help local businesses
grow and thrive.
Last year alone, the Terrace
welcomed over 300 entrepreneurs
and business owners through the
doors, benefiting from the free
support provided by Maidstone
Borough Council. The Business
Terrace will be celebrating its
10th Anniversary this summer
and will be celebrating with an
open networking event for all local
businesses.
To find out more about events at
The Business Terrace visit https://
businessinmaidstone.co.uk/
connect-in-maidstone/events/

www.maidstone.gov.uk 27
 Maidstone Innovation Centre
Expands Patient Care
Maidstone Innovation Centre (MIC), owned and run by the Council, has
welcomed two new tenants to its growing roster of innovative businesses.
Osteopathy practitioners Active Care and Tara Bucknall
Psychotherapy join fellow medical services tenants
audiology practice All Ears helping to build a diverse
range of healthcare expertise in the locality.
The new arrivals represent an exciting expansion of
medical services available to the local community since
the MIC announced last year it was opening its doors to
this sector.
Located on the Kent Medical Campus, the Maidstone
Innovation Centre is designed to support businesses in
Med-Tech, Life Sciences, and Healthcare. Part-funded by
the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and
the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP),
the MIC forms part of the North Kent Enterprise Zone.

Tara Bucknall Psychotherapy provides talking therapy

sessions at the MIC. Tara brings with her a wealth
of experience having previously worked as a Senior
Psychotherapist in the NHS and in university mental
health services.
Through mainly private or employer-sponsored
sessions, Tara offers treatment to adults dealing with
mental health issues such as anxiety, bereavement or
depression, or for those simply seeking to explore a
little more about themselves.
Since expanding the tenancy criteria to include medical
services businesses, the MIC has received interest from
Active Care, headed up by founder Dan Fernandes, also many prestigious businesses.
has a clinic in Maidstone Town Centre and currently The latest tenants are very welcome additions to the
serves around 2,000 patients ranging from just five Innovation Centre, providing excellent healthcare
days to 92 years old. support to the local community, and their presence
Dan and his team offer Osteopathy (specialising in aligns perfectly with the MIC’s goal to support and
women’s health, babies, sports injuries, lower back develop first-class businesses in the Med-Tech, Life
and neck pain, plantar fasciitis) running gait analysis, Science and Healthcare sectors.
Massage therapy, Homeopathy and Hypnotherapy. To find out more about the Maidstone Innovation Centre
So that together they can help patients recover as soon or enquire about leasing office space visit:
as possible, feel fit, strong with fantastic vitality. www.maidstoneinnovationcentre.co.uk

28 www.maidstone.gov.uk
MBC working with landlords:
The Council has recently introduced a Private Sector Leasing Scheme (PSL),
for local landlords, investors and developers. This scheme offers longterm
lease agreements with a guaranteed monthly income, as well as a free
property management service provided by the Council.
MBC will lease a property between three and five One landlord who has recently joined the scheme said:
years. During that time they will be responsible for the “It is good to hear we are helping to make a difference
management of the property, take care of repairs, cover to those in the community that are requiring this
all Council Tax and utility bills and provide landlords category of social support .”
with a guaranteed rent. Another added: “I would certainly consider working
To qualify for the scheme, properties must be in a good with the scheme again and recommend it if you are
liveable condition of any size and meet relevant property someone who likes the stability and certainty of
standards. The Council will require proof of ownership, knowing your property is let and that your income will
valid safety certificates and current building insurance. be consistently paid on time.”
At the end of the term, the property is handed back with To find out more about PSL please get in touch
guaranteed vacant possession and in a good condition. by emailing: [email protected]
People who are seeking assistance with temporary
accommodation will be considered for properties
available through PSL. By joining the scheme, landlords
will be assisting to meet the needs of the residents of
Maidstone.

Call out to landlords!

Do you have a property Maidstone Borough Council
could lease for 3 to 5 years? To qualify properties must
be in a good liveable condition
A new Private Sector Leasing scheme offers landlords: of any size and meet relevant
property standards.
• Guaranteed rental income for the duration of the term
• No void losses Inspections will need to be
• A fixed term lease between 3-5 years carried out before any lease
• Repairs service and void works (to the internal of the property) can be signed.
• Guaranteed vacant possession at the end of the term
• Professional service, advice and information
• No management or agency fees - a likely saving of 10-15% of the monthly rent

Email [email protected] or Call 01622 602 697

https://maidstone.gov.uk/private-sector-leasing for more information

www.maidstone.gov.uk 29
 Mayoral Roundup
“I am very much enjoying my time as Mayor of Maidstone. It provides a great
opportunity to promote our borough, and I’m delighted to be able to reflect
on just a few of my highlights of the past few months here in the Borough
Insight Magazine.
“There is no doubt that it has been
a very busy time; I’ve been invited
to many different events, which have
ranged from formal occasions such
as Remembrance Sunday and the
40th Anniversary of the Combined
Law Courts in Maidstone where
the Lord Chief Justice was present,
to the opening of an allotment!
“However, what has really impressed me is the work
carried out by numerous charities, both large and small,
and their volunteers. For example, the Heart of Kent Photo: Helen Cooper
Hospice; I attended a concert at the Mote Leisure Centre
where I was pleased to have the opportunity to give a speech supporting
the work they do, and I’m sure none of us can forget Shaun the Sheep,
which helped to raise over a quarter of a million pounds for their work.
“As a lover of books, I was really
pleased to be invited officially
to open the hugely successful
Maidstone LitFest, and was
also delighted to open the MBC
Christmas Donation Hub - a great
example of communities working
together and supporting each other.
I was overwhelmed by the response
of the people of our borough and
the fabulous amount of donations
made.
“Finally, I am proud to be Mayor
“On a lighter note, I attended the of a borough with such diverse
launch of the Cinderella Pantomime communities. I attended the Black
and met the cast; I subsequently History Month celebration at the
went to the actual performance Town Hall where I thoroughly
at the Hazlitt, which was great fun. enjoyed taking part in the
workshops and learning about
African drumming, and have
also attended numerous events
organised by our Nepalese and
Indian Communities including
Dashain and Diwali, which were
both wonderful”.
With very best wishes,
John Perry (Cllr)
The Mayor of Maidstone

30 www.maidstone.gov.uk
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Your Councillors Contact the Council

Stuart Jeffery 01622 804480 Customer Services
Leader of the Council To speak directly with a Customer Service
Leader of the Green & Independent Alliance advisor, call:
Allington and Bridge Ward
01622 602000
Benefits 01622 602557
Claudine Russell Council Tax 01622 602003
[email protected] Housing 01622 602440
Parking 01622 602377
Leader of the Conservative Group
Waste 01622 602600
Marden and Yalding Ward
Phone line opening hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9am - 4.45pm,
Clive English 07415 650232 Friday: 9am - 4.15pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Deputy Leader of the Council
Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group Have you heard about MBC web chat?
The new way Customer Services can help you.
High Street Ward Find out more by going to: www.maidstone.gov.uk

Maureen Cleator 01622 602859

Leader of the Labour Group

Shepway Ward You

Cust r
om
Ser v er
ice
Team s
Get in touch...
Paul Harper 01622 763895
Leader of the Independent maidstoneboroughcouncil maidstonebc
and Fant & Oakwood Group
maidstonebc maidstonecouncil
Fant and Oakwood Ward
www.maidstone.gov.uk

Maidstone Borough Council appoints former Councillor Honorary Alderman

Former Councillor Mrs Cynthia Robertson has been officially appointed an Honorary Alderman of the Council,
which was announced at a Full Council meeting on 4 December 2024.
The Honorary Alderman title can only be conferred to past members of the Council who
are considered to have rendered eminent services for at least 12 years in total. Recipients
are granted the right to attend civic functions and events by invitation from the Council.
Cynthia served as a Councillor for 37 years, from May 1982 until May 1994 representing
North Ward and from October 1998 until May 2024 representing Allington Ward. Cynthia
served on most Committees and was Chairman of the North Area Planning Committee.
She was also Mayoress during 1996/97.
The title of Honorary Alderman was made in recognition of her outstanding service and commitment to the borough.

www.maidstone.gov.uk 31
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