Nicola Jordan

3 weeks ago | kentonline.co.uk | Nicola Jordan

Ambitious plans to transform an empty art college which has been branded an “ugly” blot on the landscape have been given the green light. A London-based entrepreneur wants to convert the University College for the Creative Arts on top of Fort Pitt Hill, Rochester, into a luxury housing scheme with rooftop gardens. And now Medway councillors have approved the £20million project on recommendation of their planning officers.

3 weeks ago | kentonline.co.uk | Nicola Jordan

A woman “left for dead” after being mowed down by a suspected “hit-and-run” driver is devastated that after 15 months nobody has been charged. Jade Miskin, from Gravesend, was left “crying and in pain” in hospital as she suffered multiple fractures, a broken eye socket and smashed jaw following the collision. She had been walking through Crow Lane, Rochester, after a night out celebrating her birthday with friends in February last year when she was struck unexpectedly.

3 weeks ago | kentonline.co.uk | Nicola Jordan

A proposed controversial merger between two education trusts has “collapsed” after the boss of one suddenly quit and the other school group pulled out. The plan to unite schools in the Rainham Mark Educational Trust with Veritas Multi Academy Trust, based in Deal, has been on the table for more than six months.

4 weeks ago | kentonline.co.uk | Nicola Jordan

Ambitious plans to transform an empty art college look set to be given the go-ahead. A London-based entrepreneur wants to convert the University College for the Creative Arts on top of Fort Pitt Hill, Rochester, into a luxury housing scheme with rooftop gardens. And now council planning officers have recommended the £20million scheme should go ahead. The project will give the 1970s-built local landmark, which has been targeted by vandals and rough sleepers, a new lease of life.

1 month ago | kentonline.co.uk | Nicola Jordan

A special needs secondary school has been praised by Ofsted after undergoing an “urgent” inspection prompted by safeguarding concerns. Inspire Academy in Walderslade, near Chatham, met the standards required by the education watchdog, which deemed its arrangements to support children were effective. It praised its “tenacious” staff for their strong child-centred approach to backing pupils, developing plans for each individual to thrive, and addressing historic issues related to attendance.