The Panorama in Ashford is now set to open next year – more than six months later than the original completion date.

Work on the former office block in Park Street began in May 2013, by developers Dukelease Properties, who hope to create a ‘vibrant new residential hub’ in the town centre.

Earlier completion schedules included July and August this year.

However, work ground to a halt in June when asbestos was found behind a wall, forcing the workers, from Barroerock Construction, to abandon the site.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out checks over a four-week period and the redevelopment restarted in July.

Dukelease has now drawn up a new construction programme, and says the flats will be ready for occupation some time between January and April 2015.

Development director David O’Neil, for Dukelease, said: “The apartments at The Panorama will be completed and handed over to their new owners in line with the latest construction schedule.

“This means that buyers will be able to move in to their new apartments in the first quarter of 2015, when the building will become a vibrant new residential hub right in the centre of town.

“We’re now laying floors and installing kitchens and bathrooms; there’s a real sense that we’re in the final furlong. But, as with any construction project of this scale, build programmes are subject to fluctuation resulting from any unforeseen delays."

Once complete, the development will comprise of 232 one and two bedroom apartments over nine floors. A penthouse show flat is expected to be launched at the end of 2014.