[Location: Maidstone] Kent’s new £18.5m hospice moves step closer after funding boost
Kent Online 2026-10-06 23:01:00
Context: The Heart of Kent Hospice is planning to build a new £18.5m facility in Linton, which will provide palliative and end-of-life care, as well as wider health and care services. The project has received a major funding boost with Maidstone council approving £3.53m towards its construction from its Community Infrastructure Levy programme. The new hospice will replace the current site at Preston Hall in Aylesford, which no longer offers the space needed to meet increasing demand.
Key Facts
- The new hospice project has secured over £7.53m in funding, with £3.53m from Maidstone council's Community Infrastructure Levy programme and a £3m legacy from Edwina and David Bicker.
- The hospice plans to build a purpose-built facility behind Greensands Medical Centre in Greensand Place, Linton, which will include a care home, up to 70 affordable bungalows for the over 70s, and 14 assisted living homes for young adults.
- The Heart of Kent Hospice has supported over 62,000 patients, carers, and family members since opening at Preston Hall in Aylesford in 1991.
- The charity still needs to raise a further £12m to complete the project, which will provide a community asset with clinical support, welfare services, complementary therapies, spiritual support, and counselling.