Did you know that the Dartford Civic Centre wasn’t always home to the council? This impressive building standing before us wasn’t originally designed for its current purpose. It’s a fascinating story. Dartford Civic Centre in Home Gardens boasts a rich history. It wasn’t always the hub of local government it is today.
For many years Dartford Borough Council occupied a converted 18th-century house. This was at 45 High Street also known as Bank House or Home House. This was their headquarters until the 1970s. The council needed more space. The population had grown significantly thanks to booming industries. These included engineering and paper making.
Then came Hall-Thermotank a major local employer. They commissioned a new office building. This modern building was constructed on a former coal depot. The new building was completed in 1975. It was a striking design. It featured concrete and red brick. The five-storey building has a distinctive look with alternating bands of red brick and white-framed windows.
Hall-Thermotank was later acquired by APV. The building sat empty for a while. Finally in 1985 the council moved in. They converted the space to suit their needs. The centerpiece of the conversion was the council chamber. The council found a new home. It provided ample space for their operations.
Further changes came later. In 1991 an emergency centre was added. This involved covering a section of the ground floor car park. The original building’s stilt-like supports helped accommodate the addition. Even more drama unfolded in 2012. That year a man was arrested after an armed siege at the Civic Centre.
Today Dartford Civic Centre is much more than just offices. It houses works of art too. Paintings by May Bridges Lee are among its collection. These include a portrait of Alderman Alfred John Penney. He was a former chairman of Dartford Urban District Council. There is also a portrait of Everard Hesketh a former owner of J & E Hall. So next time you visit admire the building’s modern style. Remember its unique history too. It shows the evolution of Dartford itself. The building stands as a testament to its eventful past.