Council bosses are confident the long-awaited launch of a £115 million leisure complex will be a “real shot in the arm” for Canterbury’s pandemic recovery.

Aerial images taken this week show how the Riverside project at the old Serco depot is nearing the end of construction following years of work.

A number of bars and restaurants are primed to open at the Kingsmead site this summer, alongside a five-screen Curzon cinema, canoeing pontoon and public square.

The city council, which has commercial control of the scheme, had hoped to have the project complete last year, but delays brought about by the pandemic dashed plans for a 2021 launch.

But the authority’s leader - Conservative Ben Fitter-Harding - believes the development will be worth the wait.

“There are huge benefits all round,” he said.

“Covid has done its damage to this high street, but this is a bold new offering that really bolsters what Canterbury has to offer.

“It’ll definitely be a real shot in the arm. It’s a great regeneration benefit for Northgate, a brilliant change of use for that site - from a Serco depot to a leisure complex with a cinema.”

Photos show how some of the buildings are in a similar wooden-clad style to the city’s controversial multi-storey car park at Canterbury West.

A 220-space undercroft car park will open as part of the development, but will not be immune to the council’s new, higher tariffs, with motorists charged £2.50 an hour.

Along with the flagship Curzon, there will be 12 other units at the complex.

None of the tenants have yet been revealed, but the council says a number are under offer, while others remain in negotiation.

Bosses previously stated how they are steering clear of the likes of McDonald’s and Burger King as they opt to secure eateries where “people need cutlery”.

“It’s really great to have so much interest in the units,” Cllr Fitter-Harding said.

“I understand there are still deals going on for the remaining units.

"It’s very exciting. I’m looking forward to it opening as it’s taken a lot of work and effort from the council to get it to this point.

“For residents of the district, it’s great to have that leisure aspect.

"I can’t wait to go and to try it out. And also for the people coming into Canterbury, it’s another thing to do while you’re here.”

The shells of units are set to be complete in the coming months, when they will be handed over to tenants to be kitted out.

Aside from the commercial element, student accommodation comprising 493 beds is being built at the eight-acre site, which fronts Sturry Road.

The five-storey block has previously been branded the city’s ugliest building by critics.

A total of 189 homes are also being delivered, of which 40% will be social housing and the rest allocated to a shared ownership scheme.

Northgate ward councillor Alan Baldock (Lab) wants it to be a success, yet says the scheme “shows a lack of imagination and of joined-up thinking”.

He said: “The council has missed an opportunity to integrate Northgate and the Kings Mile as a walking, shopping and dining place on the way to the Riverside.

“That is a slap in the face to the hard working local businesses struggling to recover. They should have benefited from this development - not be further hit by a CCC (the council) business adventure which will take business away.”

Canoe Wild, which has an existing business at Grove Ferry, will also be setting up at the site and operating from a new pontoon on the River Stour.