An iconic 120 year-old building that has stood the test of time could become four flats under new plans for the former theatre in Chatham High Street.

The foyer area of the former Theatre Royal venue was home to celebrity chef Enzo Oliveri's Turkish restaurant Pasha Meze, until it closed down earlier this year due to a "lack of success".

​However, an application was submitted last week seeking approval for plans to "remove the restaurant area" and "convert all floors [of the building] into four flats".

WD Evans Building Services, acting on behalf of the applicant, has stated that all listed features of the former theatre will be retained, including an original staircase. No changes are proposed to the external facade of the building either.

​Only three parking bays will be provided to the rear of the building for all flats except one, and no spaces will be available to visitors either as it was deemed "not necessary" due to its "town centre location" within close vicinity of services and public transport.

Built in 1899, the theatre in Chatham High Street next to the Spoons restaurant was one of the first to use electric lights and had a capacity of 3,000 seats in its auditorium, playing host to some of the biggest names in showbiz at the time, including Charlie Chaplin and Gracie Fields.

However, the Theatre Royal was subject to at least three major fires during its lifetime and eventually the curtains fell for the final time in 1955 amid growing competition from the age of the television.

Throughout the 1980s, a local campaign gained momentum to restore the former theatre back to its former glory, but costs rose to at least £20 million by 2002 and was, in turn, abandoned. The disused building fell into such a dangerous state of disrepair that the 3,000-seat auditorium was demolished in April 2009 - with just the facade and lobby area retained, which stand to this very day.

On the site of the now-demolished auditorium stands a modern block housing 26 affordable apartments built in early 2015 by contractor Jenner Group for local housing association, mhs homes.

The remainder of the theatre has been extensively refurbished since 2012 and it was proposed to become an 'entertainment complex', complete with a bar, restaurant and cafe. Although this did not succeed, it did see the opening of the Turkish restaurant Pasha Meze, until it closed this year due to a lack of success.

To view the original plans or to make any comments, please visit this page on Medway Council's Planning Portal website.

It's just over a month to go as Cancer Research are preparing for the opening of their new charity superstore at Strood Retail Park.

The superstore will open its doors on Thursday, 28 November in the unit previously occupied by Poundworld, the budget retail chain which collapsed last year and saw the closure of over 300 stores nationwide.

Said to be four times larger than their typical high street charity shop, the Cancer Research superstore will sell a whole range of second hand clothes, shoes, books, furniture and small electricals, as well as brand new items, all for £5 or less.

Jo, Store Manager at Strood's new Cancer Research superstore, said that they are currently "in the process of setting up, preparing stock [and] recruiting staff" ahead of the opening of their doors at the end of November.

It is expected that at least 7 jobs will be created at the superstore, ranging from stock processors, retail assistants and drivers.

The opening of their latest charity superstore here in Strood is a testament to the success of Cancer Research's shift to out-of-centre retail parks. The charity reported their superstores provided at least four times greater profit than their typical high street shops, and offer a wider variety of products in much more convenient retail locations.

Cancer Research currently has 21 superstores, with the closest being on the Isle of Sheppey and in Crayford, London.

You can stay up-to-date with the store's progress by following the Strood team at @CRUKStrood on Twitter.

Medway's very first electric bus has been launched for trial over the next week.

Medway Council teamed up with bus provider BYD and operator ASD Coaches to trial a 31-seater electric bus on the 170 service between Chatham Waterfront Bus Station and Medway Valley Park.

The zero-emissions bus also includes free WiFi and charging points, as well as storage compartments and leather seating.

A spokesperson for Medway Council said that the electric bus is being trialled "in a bid to tackle concerns around climate change" and to "support smart technology".

Passengers can use the trial electric bus from Thursday, 17 October for just a week.

Motorists are advised to expect potential delays as lane closures are in place along both sides of the A2 New Road in Chatham for at least five days.

Medway Norse will be undertaking the 'environmental enhancement scheme' on behalf of Medway Council, which will involve the removal of rank vegetation and the planting of new tree specimens and bespoke flowering varieties during late winter months.

It is expected that the lane closest to the central reservation on both sides of New Road will be coned off until Friday, 18 October between Luton Road and Old Road.

Lane closures will be suspended during peak times to avoid major delays in the area.