Footage shows decay inside Gillinghams abandoned Canada House hospital

Footage Reveals Condition of Former Hospital in Gillingham

New footage of a former hospital building, known as Canada House, shows its deteriorating state. This site is considered one of Kent’s “most intriguing derelict sites.”

History of Canada House

Canada House was built in the early 20th century as a Royal Navy hospital for the Medway area. It later became a maternity unit. The hospital has been empty since it was sold in 2020.

Sale and Development Plans

Located at the corner of Barnsole Road and Alexandra Avenue in Gillingham, Canada House was sold in 2020 for £1.5 million. Plans were made to repurpose it as housing, but it has remained vacant for nearly five years. This has led to issues with trespassing youths entering the building.

Current Condition and Concerns

Some windows are broken, and access points are damaged. This allows urban explorers and groups of teenagers to enter through broken doors. Nearby residents are worried about the safety of children due to the building’s condition.

Development Status

Footage from visitors has shown the extent of the damage. The site was bought in September 2020 for £1,502,000 by Risbridger Scott & Sons Ltd, with plans to develop it into 21 flats. Planning permission was granted in 2022 for this change of use.

Developer’s Response

A spokesperson from Medway Council stated they are aware of concerns about the building’s condition and reports of anti-social behavior. The local authority has tried to contact the developer but has not received a positive response.

Residents’ Reactions

Residents expressed early optimism when fencing went up, suggesting construction might begin. One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “At one point it looked like work was going to start, but nothing ever happened.”

She noted that the abandoned site has attracted teenagers, leading to safety concerns. “Kids have posted videos from inside the empty building online, and that’s attracted more and more people,” she added.

Future of Canada House

In November 2025, Canada House was listed in the Savills UK and London property auction. It was marketed as a residential redevelopment opportunity with planning permission in place. However, the lot was withdrawn before the auction and was not sold.

Community Frustration

Another nearby resident, who also asked not to be named, expressed frustration over the situation. “They keep building new houses all around, putting more pressure on the streets,” they said. “And here you have a building that could hold many flats, standing empty for years.”

Historical Significance

Canada House served naval personnel and their families when Gillingham and the wider Medway area were closely linked to the dockyard and naval base.