Landmark Building Sale

The building is called "Sessions House" and it originally dispensed justice until English county councils were established in 1888 and it became the permanent headquarters of KCC.

A “preferred bidder” who is prepared to buy the whole of Sessions House has been chosen.

KCC has confirmed the company behind the bid is a UK firm, but the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands the deal may have financial backing from the Far East, possibly China.

The tabled offer is believed to be between £5-10million for what the agents describe as “a long leasehold interest”.

The building is said to be in a poor state of repair and need of substantial investment.

Papers went before the KCC policy and resources committee on Thursday to give members an update on the sale.

The documents state: “Following an evaluation of the bids received by the professional team a preferred bidder has been selected, subject to contract and formal council approvals.”

London property consultancy Montagu Evans has been handling the sale, although there was no public price tag for the property.

The deadline for bids passed at the end of last year.

Only a small portion of the vast building is currently used by KCC staff but includes the main council chamber.

A major downside to any potential buyer is that the rear half of the building overlooks HM Prison Maidstone and there are restrictive covenants held by the Ministry of Justice which may prove to be obstacles.

KCC Liberal Democrat group leader Antony Hook (pictured below) said: “Sessions House is a unique heritage asset in the county and it is imperative that we are told who is going to buy it and what the buyers intend to do with it.

“Plus I believe we should also keep in mind the fact that there may be a big shake up in local government in Kent in the coming years and we might have to assess what impact there might be on the buildings we need.

“I would support this being called into the scrutiny cabinet committee for further examination.”

Nearby Invicta House is earmarked as the council’s new “strategic headquarters” and may require a £20million plus refurbishment to accommodate Sessions House staff and a new members’ chamber.

But insiders say if the local government minister Angela Rayner’s plans to massively shake up local government in Kent go ahead, that scheme of work might be delayed, possibly indefinitely.

The government is committed to the introduction of a system of elected mayors to counties, like Kent, with a different structure of local government sitting underneath.

This could take the form of two or three large unitary authorities serving east, north and west Kent, although no final decisions have been made.

It would also mean the end of Kent’s 12 district and borough councils in Kent.

If the Invicta House work does go ahead, KCC may try to use a section of Sessions House until it is complete.

The final decision will be taken by the county’s deputy leader and finance portfolio holder, Cllr Peter Oakford.