In June 2025, Faversham Town Council became the owner of the Town Quay and its two buildings: the Old Town Warehouse and the 1911 Pumphouse.
The Town Warehouse, a Grade II* listed building, was constructed in the early 15th century. It stands as the only surviving reminder of the vital role Faversham Creek and the port once played in the town’s development and prosperity.
Old Town Warehouse is added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register – 5th November 2026
Faversham Town Council welcomes the recognition of the Old Town Warehouse being added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. The status supports ongoing work to protect Faversham’s Old Town Warehouse and explore its potential.
Historic England’s Building at risk register, is made of of buildings that are at risks for a variety of reasons including the building or structure is threatened by neglect, decay, structural deterioration, inappropriate development, or environmental impacts (such as coastal erosion) to the point where its long-term survival is in doubt.
Faversham Town Council has welcomed the addition of the Old Town Warehouse, locally known as TS Hazard, to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, recognising its historic importance and supporting efforts to secure its preservation.
The Council took ownership from Swale Borough Council in 2025 and has since commissioned a structural survey by Moreton Partnership, a condition survey by Daniel Martin and measured surveys to establish the building’s condition and the work required. Public consultation has also begun, inviting residents to share their views and help shape proposals for the site.
Funding is already supporting this work. The Architectural Heritage Fund has awarded £20,000 towards the initial RIBA design stages (0–2), while Queenborough Fishery Trust is providing £10,000 annually for five years. Further funding will be needed as plans develop, and the Council will continue exploring opportunities to support the project.
Cllr Josh Rowlands, Chair of Faversham Town Council’s Heritage, Buildings and Creek Committee, said:
“Taking ownership of TS Hazard was an important step in taking responsibility for this historic building. The listing highlights the challenges we face, but it also creates opportunities to attract expertise, funding and support. We are moving beyond simply discussing possibilities. Surveys have been commissioned, funding secured and residents are being consulted. We want an approach that respects the building’s heritage while delivering lasting value for Faversham. Our next milestone is to pursue further Architectural Heritage Fund support for RIBA stages 2–4 in January 2027. Historic England is also expected to announce funding schemes for listed buildings at risk in spring 2027, offering further opportunities to seek support.”
Progress and key decisions will be considered through the Council’s Heritage, Buildings and Creek Committee. Updates will be shared through the Town Council website, its newsletter and further public engagement. The Council sees the listing as an opportunity to build on the work already underway and strengthen efforts to safeguard TS Hazard for future generations.
Public Consultation Events 2026
Faversham Town Council keld drop in sessions at the Old Town Warehouse, this is your opportunity to view the plans (RIBA stage 1) and to receive feedback.
Friday 24 July – 10.00am–2.00pm
Sunday 2 August – 10.00am–2.00pm
Saturday 12 September – 10.00am–2.00pm
June 2026 Update
We are pleased to announce that the Town Council has been awarded £20,000 from the Architectural Heritage Fund to fund RIBA Stages 0–2 of our heritage project.
Louise Morgan, Grants Officer for London, South East and East England at the Architectural Heritage Fund, said:
“The AHF is passionate about helping communities to rescue valued historic buildings and reimagine them to create vibrant and diverse spaces that meet modern needs. It therefore brings us great pleasure to have awarded a Heritage Revival Fund grant to Faversham Town Council to start work on their project at The Old Town Warehouse. We hope that our support can help to shape the vision for bringing this important heritage asset and landmark building back into use as a community and cultural venue, ensuring its long-term sustainability.”
Cllr Josh Rowlands, Chair of the Town Council’s Heritage, Buildings and Creek Committee added:
“To receive this funding is a massive boost to the Town Councils commitment to bring the Old Town Warehouse back into use, since taking ownership of the building the Town Council has strived to make the building safe and this is the next step in this journey, we look forward to talking to residents again shortly about how the building could be used in the future”
April 2026 Update
April’s Heritage, Buildings and Creek Committee meeting agreed the appointment of an Martin Ashley Architects for RIBA stages 0 – 2.
RIBA Stage 0 – Strategic Definition
RIBA Stage 1 – Preparation and Brief
RIBA Stage 2 – Concept Design
December 2025 Update
December’s Heritage, Buildings & Creek Committee meeting agreed real progress for one of Faversham’s most treasured historic buildings.
Several important decisions were made to move forward with essential work on the 15th-century Town Warehouse at Town Quay, which Faversham Town Council has recently taken into its stewardship.
Measured Survey Approved.
Condition & Structural Surveys Agreed.
Architect’s Specification approved to go out to tender for RIBA Stages 0–2
The first vital steps toward stabilisation, conservation, and long-term redevelopment of the building.
This marks an exciting moment for Faversham. The Town Warehouse, a rare late-15th-century timber-framed landmark, has huge potential as a future community asset. Work over the coming months will help us understand the building’s needs, explore new possibilities, and develop plans for sensitive restoration and imaginative reuse.
From a strengthened and weather-tight structure in the immediate term to long-term hopes for an events space, heritage hub, café, the vision is ambitious, community-focused, and rooted in respect for our town’s history.
We look forward to sharing more updates as the work progresses! Our thanks go to the Queenborough Fishery Trust for their continued support.
