Work has begun on a £3.4m refurbishment and change of use scheme at the Frank Lloyd Unit at Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital.
The scheme is being delivered by NHS Kent and Medway in partnership with NHS Property Services, which owns and manages the Frank Lloyd Unit, and forms part of a wider estates strategy across Swale to ensure NHS assets are used efficiently and aligned with population need. Planning permission for the change of use was granted by Swale Borough Council in December 2025.
The project will convert the ground floor of the building into modern, fit for purpose GP accommodation, while Kent and Medway Mental Health Trust will retain occupation of the first floor for community mental health services. The co-location enables integrated service delivery while maximising use of the existing hospital estate.
Alongside the internal refurbishment, on-site parking and access arrangements are being reviewed, including opportunities to support sustainable travel to and from the site.
Funding for the scheme combines NHS capital investment with Section 106 healthcare contributions secured from local developments, highlighting the role of planning gain in supporting healthcare infrastructure. The project supports the Kent and Medway Primary Care Strategy, which identifies Swale as an area of significant need for additional GP capacity.
Once complete, The Chestnuts Surgery will relocate from its existing premises.
Andrew Strange, estate strategy lead – South at NHS Property Services, said: “This £3.4m project is an important step in boosting local primary care services and supporting neighbourhood health. It shows how different NHS teams can work together successfully to make better use of our buildings and create spaces that genuinely improve care for patients. We’re glad to be playing our part by helping to deliver it.”
Dr Ash Peshen, deputy medical director of Kent and Medway ICB commented: “We are delighted the project is moving forward. This is an important step in improving access to modern, high quality primary care services for the people of Sittingbourne, which is identified as a priority area for Kent and Medway. By creating a fit-for-purpose facility on the Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital site, we are making sure patients can benefit from a more sustainable, resilient GP surgery equipped to meet local demand now and in the future.”
Adrian Young, practice manager at The Chestnuts Surgery added: “This move offers an opportunity to expand our team and make more services available to patients in the Sittingbourne area. We look forward to providing more and better services in fit for purpose facilities, including disabled access.”
