A care home which is being built in place of a once-popular pub is expected to be open later this year.
Construction is said to be progressing well to complete the new three-storey, 62-bed facility, on the corner of Central Avenue and Ascot Road, Gravesend, by the summer.
The Ascot Arms was torn down to make way for the care home. Picture: David Beattie
Punters, including the ward councillor for Woodlands, David Beattie, watched as the Ascot Arms was completely torn down in April 2023 to make way for the care home.
Recalling what the public house was like during its “good old days”, Cllr Beattie previously told KentOnline: “It was like the British version of Cheers. Everyone knew your name in there.
“It was just a friendly local pub. I have a great many friends from drinking in there.”
In November 2023, Ascot Road, at its junction with Central Avenue, was closed for 67 weeks to allow for construction work to start.
It is due to reopen next month on Tuesday, February 11.
The Ascot Arms during demolition in April 2023. Picture: David BeattieThe home will be open in the summer. Picture: Avery Healthcare
Pictures taken of the site last month show the build almost complete as the facility, which will be known as Springwood Corner Care Home, has taken shape.
Scaffolding remains up around some parts of the new building and hoardings are still erect around the entire site.
A spokesperson for care home provider, Avery Healthcare, said: “Construction is progressing well for our 62-bed care home, which will soon serve the community in Gravesend.”
It is due to be open in the summer.
It will offer residential, dementia and respite care to the elderly and there will also be facilities such as a salon and therapy room, cinema and activities room.
Scaffolding and hoardings are still up. Picture: Avery HealthcareWhat the new facility will look like once complete. Picture: TDC Arch Design
Plans to demolish the pub, which closed in 2019, and build the care home were approved by Gravesham council in July 2022.
In their decision report, officers said although they acknowledged the proposals would see the loss of a public house they said it was clear that continuing trading was not viable.
Before it was demolished, the pub dated back to 1932 and was called the Central Avenue Hotel before it changed its name to the Ascot Arms in 2001.