Controversial plans to redevelop Ashford's former Mecca Bingo hall have been redrawn – and now DON'T include building on the Vicarage Lane car park.

Council bosses have been tight-lipped about their proposals for the town centre in recent months, with a planned public consultation last summer never materialising.

But they have now released new artist's impressions and more information about the development, which had been set to include about 200 homes on the car park at the rear of the former Odeon.

The updated vision now leaves the 185-space car park untouched but – if approved – will still see the majority of the bingo hall knocked down.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) wants to retain the ornate frontage but hopes to knock down the former auditorium to the rear, erecting a "modern and flexible" extension of between two to three storeys in height.

The authority is working with regeneration specialists Milligan on the project and says it is now "actively seeking interested parties with the vision and operational experience to bring the building back to life".

It is looking for an operator to take on the scheme and "put their own unique stamp" on the former Odeon building, which campaigners want to see turned into a theatre.

ABC says the building could be used by a "whole range of operators" including craft or cultural, hospitality, co-working, health and wellness, fitness, food and beverage or leisure with retail.

None of the documents promoting the development mention any residential element.

Stuart Harris, chief operating officer at Milligan, said: “This is an exciting and unique opportunity for Ashford and the right operator.

"The Odeon has so much history and is located in the heart of the town centre.

"We hope that the inspiration for its future will build on this heritage and create a thriving new community that brings back the life and excitement that the building once had.

“The beauty of the building is it provides an exciting opportunity for a range of operators; craft or cultural destination, hospitality, co-working, wellness or leisure with retail and commerce woven through to put their own unique stamp on the building."

Bosses say the extension could include a rooftop area "which would provide fantastic views overlooking Ashford".

Cllr Nathan Iliffe (Con), ABC's portfolio holder for regeneration and corporate property, said: “The former Odeon is arguably one of the most iconic buildings in Ashford and certainly one our community feels passionately about.

"Having it stand proud again as an important part of the town, with new and exciting reasons to visit, is going to benefit everyone in the area."

A planning application is yet to be submitted, but ABC – which paid £1.8m for the bingo hall in 2018 – is keen to hear from operators interested in taking on the project, which it is calling 'The Odeon'.

Next week, a large angel wing mural on the front of the building will be replaced, with artist Aimee Godden set to start work on Tuesday.

The changes to the Mecca Bingo scheme throw plans for a multi-storey car park behind the Hollywood Bowl in Station Road into doubt.

Council bosses had needed to find more capacity as spaces would have been lost in Vicarage Lane if the original proposals went ahead, but it is now unclear whether the plans for the multi-storey will progress.

For potential operators looking for more information on the Odeon scheme, contact Alex Standen at Cradick – email astanden@cradick.co.uk or call 07770 935263.