Embankments floating restaurant and bar has now gone from its mooring on the River Medway in Maidstone
12:41, 24 December 2021
updated: 13:08, 24 December 2021
A floating restaurant, whose burnt-out hulk was moored on the River Medway in Maidstone town centre, has been towed away to a new spot.
Over the last few weeks a digger, brought in on a pontoon, has been carefully unpicking the remains of Embankments Bar and Restaurant.
Embankments is towed away Video: UKNIP
The structure suffered a devastating blaze in February 2020, believed to have been caused by a faulty iPad which was charging.
After standing empty since then, Maidstone council and its owner became locked in talks.
They resulted in an announcement earlier this year that the converted barge, which opened as a restaurant in 2009, would be towed away.
The company surrendered its lease on the riverbank to the council after enforcement action was taken against it in July.
The council said at the time: “The agreement also resolves the disputes over planning permission and the lease terms in relation to the Barge and the Pergola on the riverbank.
“It has been agreed these disputes will not now be pursued.
“The council and the owners of The Embankments are both content that this is a good solution for all parties.”
The business had previously been granted permission by the borough council to extend onto the riverbank with an enclosed terrace, which remained surrounded by blue hoardings.
But, plans for a new design would have needed revised planning consent.
A council spokesman said the barge has now been towed away to new moorings on the lower Medway
Maidstone council is progressing plans for the Archbishop’s Palace, which it owns.
Options include using it as a working space, wedding venue, boutique hotel or restaurant, or creating a venue mixing commercial uses and events, with a gallery and a cafe.
The public consultation ended at the end of October.
A council spokesman added: "The clearance leaves the way clear for the council to progress its plans for the adjoining Archbishop’s Palace.
"It has now invited expressions of interest to parties who would like to be part of the future of the stunning Grade I listed building.
"The Council wishes to appoint a suitably experienced company to work in partnership with on this project.
