With river views and within walking distance of local shops, a forgotten office block could get a new lease of life as apartments.

Mountbatten House in the centre of Chatham used to be home to companies such as Scottish Widows and Lloyds, but has stood almost empty for several years.

The 13-storey red-brick building, which is described by Medway Council as a “key asset that is underused”, sits on top of the Pentagon Centre next to the bus station.

In December 2015, the lease for both premises was taken over by Ellandi who own 29 community shopping centres across the country.

According to the company’s website, they are planning to refurbish the Penatgon Centre which has “exciting prospects” for redevelopment including a large food store, major space units and leisure facilities.

The centre currently has 330,000 sq ft of retail space on two levels with a 430 space car park.

Their plan for Mountbatten House is expected to involve its conversion into homes, possibly with other uses.

In order for the potential development to take place, the head lease of the centre has to either be varied or surrendered/renewed by Medway Council, who own the freehold.

A decision is due at a cabinet meeting later today.

According to the report, the council would welcome proposals for appropriate alternative uses, which “will secure the regeneration and re-use of the building and increase the amount of people accessing the town centre”.

The conversion to housing “would be welcomed in principle” as long as it meets national housing standards.