The developer Bellway has acquired land and begun demolition to deliver 93 new homes and restore the historic Kingsfield House in Dartford.
The house, built in 1859, was used by social pioneer Madame Martina Bergman-Osterberg as a physical training college specialising in gymnastics for girls and young women, where the modern game of netball was invented.
The ‘Cedarcroft’ development will comprise 65 private properties and 28 affordable homes on the western part of the North Kent College campus, off Oakfield Lane.
The project will see Bellway retain and renovate Kingsfield House and convert it into a collection of 27 one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
William Weston-Smith, land director for Bellway Thames Gateway, said: “Kingsfield House and The Lodge are two attractive and historically significant buildings which have both fallen into a state of disrepair and could have been at risk of demolition due to their unlisted status.
“Their conversion into residential use will ensure their long-term future, while the sale of the land, which is no longer needed by the college, will fund future investment in educational resources.
“While the main part of Kingsfield House will be retained, inappropriate modern extensions are being demolished to improve the building’s overall appearance and enhance its prominence as a landmark feature within this new residential neighbourhood.
“Full planning permission for the project was granted by Dartford Borough Council in November 2024 and with the land purchase now complete, we have now started demolition work on the site.”
The Lodge, a two-storey building previously used as a security office, will also be retained and converted into a three-bedroom house.
Kingsfield House also been known as North Kent College, though it’s been vacant since 2015.
All homes at Cedarcroft will have PV solar panels, while there will be electric vehicle charging points.