Proposed 11-Bed HMO Development on Former Activity Centre Site in Lower Upnor
Plans exist—submitted, aimed at transforming a disused building in Lower Upnor (near Rochester)—into an 11‑bed multiple occupancy house.
Building, formerly part of the Arethusa Venture Centre (once dedicated to youth outdoor activities), now is set to house up to 13 occupants.
Development Details
Interior modifications propose—creation: two double rooms; nine single rooms—each room fitted with desk and storage units for modern living and remote work.
Ground floor holds—four single bedrooms; one communal bathroom; two shower rooms; one shared kitchen; one living area.
First floor provides—five single rooms (one combined with en-suite); two double rooms each linked with an en-suite bathroom; further communal bathroom and shower facility.
Context and Background
Arethusa Venture Centre, established 1935, once supplied outdoor pursuits (climbing, kayaking, sailing) for schools and youth groups.
Centre, acting as a community hub and visited by notable figures, was run by a long-established children charity for those in care.
Demand declined; operations ceased in 2019; current state: vacant.
Nearby, an application exists—plan: demolish former centre buildings—to clear way for new flats; decision now rests with the local planning authority.
Planning Considerations
Supporters assert—repurposing the existing building into multi-occupancy fits its size and layout; single household use proves limited.
Conversion here beats vacancy.
Local voices raise concerns—issues: road conditions, infrastructure capacity, design fit with area; some residents deliver conditional support.
Application, new and pending, now undergoes planning department review.
What This Means for Property Investors
Investors in HMO developments note this case; it signals continued demand for shared housing that uses existing, underused structures efficiently.
Need for adaptable living spaces and unique location opportunities backs conversion of older, community or institutional properties into viable dwellings.
Factors to weigh include planning specifics, local sentiment, and infrastructure impact.
Summary
Submission for an 11‑bed HMO at the former Centre reflects a broader trend—unused community buildings repurposed to address rental demand.
Project intent: balance practical housing needs with retention of much of the building’s external form.
For investors, the scenario underlines the necessity of careful planning navigation and attention to local responses alongside an evolving market.
