Patient buyers will be able to move into their new town-centre apartments from February 2016.

This is the latest news from the developers of the nine-storey Panorama building in Park Street, Ashford.

Work on the landmark building, formerly Charter House, started more than two-and-a-half years ago by Dukelease Properties, based in London, when it set out to transform the office block into 232 flats.

Since then several completion dates have passed, including July 2014, April 2015, and then October 2015.

It is not known exactly why the project has taken so long, although work was held up for a month in 2014 when asbestos was found on site.

Now, according to the latest update from the team behind the building, work should be completed during January 2016, with occupation commencing the following month.

A spokesman said: “We continue to be committed to deliver a landmark project of the highest quality, and this is of paramount importance to us.”

It has also been revealed that two tenants have confirmed they will move into the ground floor of the property, which was earmarked for commercial use from early on. Gym chain Anytime Fitness will open a new club in the east wing and Regus, which provides office and work space for businesses, will occupy the north and west wings.

The gym is anticipated to open before Christmas, while Regus’s target opening date is March 2016.

However, while pleased to hear of the latest announcement, one buyer said he remains “sceptical”.

The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I’m pleased to finally receive some kind of update, although they still offer no explanation or apology as to why they missed their last deadline for completion at the end of October.

“After missing their previous two deadlines, I am pretty sceptical about them keeping to this new target date. Fingers crossed!”

The Panorama spokesman added: “We remain wholly committed to delivering a completed development that reflects our valued purchasers’, and indeed our own, aspirations and look forward to welcoming you to The Panorama in the New Year.

“We thank you for your ongoing co-operation and continue to assure you of our best attention at all times.”