The removal of the white tents at the Ashford Designer Outlet is set begin at the end of the month.

It will mark the first time part of the famous tented structure will come down since the centre was built 18 years ago.

A section of the tent above the former food court and playground area will be permanently removed by October.

It will be taken down to make way for the 100,000 sq ft extension, which will almost double the size of the shopping centre.

The £90 million project is set to add a further 50 units to the store, with the new flagship shop in the extension being the only unit in the centre to be two stories high.

It will also include a new car park with an additional 725 parking spaces, 500 new jobs and improvements to the area around the shopping centre to connect it with the town centre.

A new interactive play area will replace the former playground which has been dismantled and donated to Wingham Wildlife Park.

A new 400-space car park has also opened next to the Asda supermarket.

The extension to the shopping centre is set to be completed by September next year, although parts will be open sooner, such as the new standalone McDonald's which is set to open by late spring 2019.

The centre, which opened in 2000, is believed to be the world's largest tented retail structure.

It was designed by architect Sir Richard Rogers who is famed for his work on the Lloyd's building in London and the O2 Arena in Greenwich.

It currently welcomes 3.6 million visitors a year, however with the expansion this is hoped to increase to 5 million annually.

The new development will also feature Europe's largest living wall feature.

Centre manager Peter Corr said: "Our £90 million centre expansion represents a major project for the local community, generating 500 new jobs and improving Ashford’s infrastructure for years to come.

"We’re open as usual and committed to ensuring our guests experience an enjoyable day out every time they visit us.

"We are looking forward to sharing further updates, including news on our brand new playground and Living Wall, over the coming months.”