Work to restore the front of a Grade II* listed Georgian mansion in Rochester has been completed.
The imposing building on the corner of Hulkes Lane, known as Chatham House, has been transformed, thanks to government funding.
In 2020 Medway Council was awarded £1.6million government funding to revitalise a section of the Star Hill to Sun Pier Conservation Area, which covers parts of Chatham and Rochester high streets, as part of Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone Programme.
Around £200,000 of this funding has been used to restore the front of Chatham House to its former glory including reinstating a copy of the original portico entrance and railings which were removed in 1930 to install a modern shop front by Featherstones Ltd. Structural works to the rear wall have also been completed.
The house itself dates back to the 18th century and has been occupied by Featherstones Ltd since the early 1920s when it became the home of the furniture, carpet and hardware departments of the local family run department store chain.
Medway Council has worked closely with Historic England and Featherstones to restore the front of the building. This is the first stage of a long-term project to bring the building back into use and is also the first major capital project funding by the High Street Heritage Action Zone Programme, which runs until 2024.
Featherstones is currently carrying out a tender process to secure a contractor to restore the building’s interior, with works anticipated to begin before the end of the year.
Unlocking potential in the area
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “Medway is steeped in history and I am pleased that works to restore the front of this beautiful Grade II* listed Georgian mansion have been completed. We are delighted to be working with Featherstones and Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone Programme which is breathing new life and unlocking potential in the area. I am also pleased that the Heritage Open Days were a great success, with many residents visiting Chatham House to find out more about the building’s fascinating history.”
Major milestone completed
Sheila Featherstone, Director of Featherstones and great granddaughter of the founder, said: “Chatham House looks wonderful. The completion of the external works is a major milestone, which has been achieved through focused teamwork. We appreciate the continued support of Historic England and Medway Council and the dedication of all the trades who have made this possible. It is difficult to appreciate the amount of work that has happened in only 9 months and I am delighted that we can share this special building with the community. It was great to open in time for the Heritage Open Days, which welcomed more than 600 visitors over the four days, 100 years on from its first opening as part of Featherstones.”
The building has a new lease of life
Alice Brockway, Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas at Historic England, said: “Chatham House’s transformation has given the building a new lease of life and marks the beginning of a new chapter in its near 300-year history. This is the latest achievement of the High Street Heritage Action Zone which is continuing apace. We want to hear your views on the future of the area so please do respond to Medway Council’s current consultation survey, open until 7 October.”
Find out more about the High Street Heritage Action Zone Programme.
Chatham House