Maidstone Family Hub shake-up goes to public consultation

Parents and families in Maidstone could see significant changes to how they access support if Kent County Council presses ahead with a proposed restructure of the town’s Family Hub network. A public consultation has now launched — and nothing will be decided until responses are in.

The building at the centre of it all is 3 Palace Avenue, home to the InfoZone Family Hub. KCC says it’s costly to run and needs hefty work to bring its first floor back into safe use. Rather than foot that bill, the council wants to shift services to other hubs across the district and shut the Palace Avenue site altogether.

So where would families go?

Two sites would take on a bigger role:

• Parkwood Family Hub would become the largest and main hub in Maidstone, using space freed up by a former nursery to offer a wider range of services.
• The former East Borough Children’s Centre on Vinters Road would reopen as an additional hub close to the town centre — the council describes it as modern and in good condition, with space for play, learning, groups, appointments and partner services.
• Greenfields, Westborough and Southborough Family Hubs would all continue to operate as before.

Outreach and community-based support would carry on across the area. Family Hubs offer parenting courses, wellbeing advice and support for children, young people and parents. And for most Maidstone families, day-to-day provision wouldn’t change at all. Small comfort, perhaps, for those who rely on Palace Avenue.

The consultation closes at midnight on 17 November 2026. Local families and community organisations are particularly encouraged to respond.

Key information

• Consultation deadline: midnight, 17 November 2026
• Email: maidstonefh@kent.gov.uk
• Phone: 03000 419 470

The council will consider all responses before deciding whether to proceed with the changes.