A multimillion-pound cinema and hotel complex in Ashford is still on track to be completed this year.

The eye-catching Elwick Place development, which is being built on the former cattle market opposite County Square, includes a six-screen cinema, eight restaurants and a 58-room Travelodge.

Historian Steve Salter photographed progress at the site last week.

His photos show how work on the seating areas and main entrance is progressing.

The project is being developed by Stanhope PLC and is one of Ashford Borough Council's (ABC) Big 8 projects aimed at improving the town.

It is expected to open in December and will also feature 282 parking spaces.

Geoff Burningham, construction director for the Lendlease firm which is behind the construction, says

"Everything is going fine and is on schedule, we're definitely on track for finishing in December," he said.

"All the six screens of the new cinema are virtually finished and they are now just waiting for the fit out teams to complete them.

"The glazing needs to be finished on the retail units, but structurally they are all there.

"The external cladding is set to go on the hotel sometime next week and then the gold mesh that covers the outside of the cinema is set to go on within the next few weeks.

"Each screen has to pass an acoustic test, so it's guaranteed that you won't be able to hear the passing trains once you're inside the cinema screens.

"Then after that, work will start on the block paving to the car park."

Mr Burningham - who has worked in construction for more than 50 years - has previously been involved in the building of the Olympic Park and Bluewater shopping centre

Elwick Place will be the last project he works on before retirement.

He added: "I love this place - I think it's a fantastic development for Ashford and I'm very proud of it.

"I live in Whitstable so I'll definitely be back to visit and I can't wait to tell people I worked on this development and that it was my last project."