The French Hospital, of La Providence, High Street, Rochester, has brought to a conclusion a property transaction intended to secure the charity’s long-term financial position and to support the continued preservation of its historic and cultural legacy.
Founded in the early eighteenth century, and now over 300 years old, the French Hospital has a proud tradition of social assistance. The central part of its work is the provision of almshouse accommodation, offering secure and supportive homes for older people in need. To sustain this commitment over the long term, the charity depends on careful financial stewardship and the responsible management of its property assets. Ensuring a stable and predictable income enables the French Hospital to maintain its almshouses and support its residents – as well as continuing to deliver public benefit through its wider heritage and educational activities.
Following cutbacks, Medway Council surrendered the long term lease of its Rochester Visitor Centre at 95 High Street in 2024. This severely impacted the French Hospital’s income, and left the charity carrying unsustainable ongoing costs. After careful consideration, the trustees concluded that to reshape the charity’s property holdings was the most prudent way to ensure that it could continue to deliver its charitable purposes well into the future.
Under the arrangements, the French Hospital is disposing of its interest in 95 High Street and acquiring 103 High Street, sited immediately adjacent to the Hospital’s almshouse accommodation. This property will be retained as a long-term income-generating asset, and will provide the charity with a stable and predictable source of income, whilst removing the financial burden associated with holding an under-utilised property.
The French Hospital is most appreciative of the work of the Huguenot Museum in telling the Huguenot story, and is glad to have continued its support by ensuring that the Museum’s occupation continues on the terms of its existing lease.
It would also like to pay tribute to the work of its lawyers and the requisite Designated Adviser in enabling the matter to be brought to a successful conclusion.
A spokesperson for the French Hospital said:
” This transaction is about sound stewardship and long-term sustainability. It allows the charity to stabilise its finances, make better use of its assets, and continue to support the preservation of its heritage for future generations.”
Its trustees believe that the French Hospital is now placed on a more resilient footing, enabling it to focus on its core mission while responsibly managing the historic assets entrusted to its care.
2nd April 2026
