An historic former townhouse which was home to a high-profile art gallery for more than five decades is set to be transformed into “a hub for dining and entertainment”.

A top architects company, which has designed the iconic Dreamland in Margate and Folkestone’s renowned Rocksalt restaurant, has been commissioned to return the former Francis Iles Galleries in Rochester to its former glory.

The ground floor of the four-storey Grade 2 listed property is set to become a cafe with outside seating overlooking the heart of the busy town and the neighbouring La Providence, French Hospital.

The new owners, Rochester-based Lucas Property Developments, want to restore traditional features, including concealed fireplaces and remove modern elements and additions that distract from the mid-19th century property’s heritage.

The first floor with its ornate wrought iron balconies and the second would be re-purposed for more private dining and functions.

Hollaway Studio, which has stylish skate parks and leisure centres in its portfolio, has been tasked to sympathetically update the project

Rutland House, as it was originally known, has been in the hands of Iles family since 1971 but closed in December last year signalling the end of an era.

It had a reputation for one of Rochester’s oldest specialist shops with clients from all over the world buying online or visiting in person.

Two of the sisters, Alayne, 71 and Nettie, 68, took semi-retirement during lockdown and youngest sibling Lucy, 55, has gone on the road showcasing at art-led galleries nationwide.

Lucy’s daughter Libby, 25, who curates the books and Alayne’s son Patrick, 34, an accomplished knitter and chef, now run Store 104 opposite which has a cafe at the back.

In 1961, from humble beginnings in The Brook, Chatham, glamorous couple Audrey and John launched their gift shop which was later transformed into an art gallery offering fashionable fine art prints and top-end materials.

Living in a flat above the business, it quickly established a reputation for offering quality work from well-established artists of the day including Sir Russell Flint, Rowland Hilder and Roland Batchelor.

A few years after opening, the premises was subject to a compulsory purchase order to make way for the development of the town centre.

That’s they moved to the iconic Georgian building, in Rochester expanding their line of business to gifts, cards and children’s toys.