Draft:Marlborough Road Annexe

• Comment: Buildings are considered notable as a result of their historic, social, economic, or architectural importance, but they require significant in-depth coverage by reliable, third-party sources to establish notability. In this case apart from coverage that the building is derelict and being vandalised there is no evidence of its historic, social, economic, or architectural importance. Dan arndt (talk) 08:24, 28 October 2024 (UTC)

• Comment: Fails the requirements of WP:NBUILDING. Dan arndt (talk) 07:54, 28 October 2024 (UTC)

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The Marlborough Road Annexe is a derelict building in Gillingham, Kent, England, notable for its history as a training site for the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and its proposed role in the area’s urban redevelopment plans. Constructed in the early 20th century, the building initially served as a community facility before becoming home to No. 1404 (Medway) Squadron of the RAF Air Cadets from 1951 until its closure in 2014. During its operation, the site was integral in training local cadets, contributing to the town’s strong association with military service and aviation.

The Marlborough Road Annexe reflects a longstanding connection between Gillingham and the military. The building’s role in supporting RAF training for over 60 years made it a cornerstone for youth development and military preparedness in the region. Many local figures who would go on to careers in aviation and defense credit the squadron for providing critical training during their formative years. Public ceremonies, including annual Remembrance Day events, frequently involved cadets from this location, reinforcing its symbolic and functional role in Medway’s community life.

Although now in a state of disrepair, the Marlborough Road Annexe represents early 20th-century civic architecture typical of military-associated structures. The building’s design is emblematic of functional military architecture of the era, with utilitarian brickwork and minimal ornamentation.

Following its closure in 2014, the Marlborough Road Annexe has suffered from extensive vandalism, including incidents of arson, fly-tipping, and unauthorized access. In response, Medway Council has sought to address the future of the site. The building is part of the Gillingham Masterplan, a broader effort by the council to revitalize urban areas and enhance community access to the adjacent Great Lines Heritage Park. A proposal to replace the derelict structure with a “landmark building” was introduced, aiming to create a new park entrance. However, due to funding and administrative changes, these plans remain unfulfilled as of 2024, leaving the building’s fate uncertain.