The funeral of Hilary Halpern, whose vision and funding shaped Medway's art scene, will take place this afternoon.

The Nucleus Arts founder has died aged 85, leaving a legacy of galleries in Chatham, Rochester and Maidstone.

He worked for 46 years at the helm of one of the world’s most respected architecture firms, the Halpern Partnership.

Then he retired and turned his focus to Chatham High Street.

It was not hailed by everyone as an artistic hub but he bought a vacant plot and in 2002, he turned it into the first Nucleus Arts centre.

The £300,000 development including a studio complex, galleries and a cafe became an oasis for creative souls in the high street.

At first it was named simply the New Arts Centre. As it evolved, the name Nucleus crept in.

Mr Halpern, who ran the charitable venture from his grand home Boley Hill House, opposite Rochester Castle, saw the concept thrive. Sister galleries opened in Rochester and Maidstone.

The retired architect was a stalwart, too, of Medway’s tight-knit Jewish community.

He oversaw the renovation of the 144-year-old Chatham Memorial Synagogue, in Rochester High Street, and set up a £200,000 trust fund to allow maintenance every seven years.

Mr Halpern died at Medway Maritime Hospital on Wednesday night after suffering heart problems.

A funeral will be held at Chatham Cemetery today at 2pm. Donations to Nucleus Arts.

Full obituary in the Medway Messenger next week.