Plans for the transformation of part of Dartford - including a six-screen cinema, bars, restaurants and a new public square - have been signed off.

The £75 million regeneration of the Westgate area has been finalised between Dartford Borough Council and Homes England.

The two will now work up detailed plans, but the scheme is expected to include:

• Six-screen cinema
• 109-bed hotel
• Five bars and restaurants
• Up to 140 homes
• A new public square
• And a new multi-storey car park

It's also hoped there will be a new health facility, to be used by GPs, family healthcare, social care providers and mental health services.

Cllr Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, said: “Dartford is one of the fastest growing towns in England.

"The town's strategic position on the edge of London and the heart of the South East has been energised in the last decade by huge investment in national infrastructure, growth funding and massive captial commitments from private developers.

"There is a new energy to Dartford that's being driven by local demand."

John Robinson, Development Director at Muse, added: “Dartford is a forward-thinking Council that wants to bring real change to the town centre.

“It has been a pleasure working with them and Homes England over the last six months and we are delighted to have reached this key milestone.”

The official declaration of the partnership comes six months after it was originally agreed.

"There is a new energy to Dartford that's being driven by local demand" - Jeremy Kite

Muse Developments is looking to submit a planning application late 2018 and to start on site late 2019.

Before then, Dartford Borough Council and Muse Developments will be holding public consultation events this summer.