Visitors to Dartford’s Central Library will be in for an extra surprise when it re-opens after its £650,000 restoration.

An intricate Terrazzo Mosaic flooring has been uncovered under a carpet just inside the main entrance and specialists have been brought in to bring the mosaic back to its former glory.

Kent County Council agreed a refurbishment proposal for the 100-year-old library after a six-week public consultation showed huge support for it to reflect the building's heritage.

Mike Hill, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to include the restoration of this long-forgotten mosaic in the library refurbishment project.

“This historic multi-coloured flooring will provide an attractive feature as visitors enter the building.”

An extensive parquet flooring, which was mostly hidden under carpets, has also been uncovered.

Although some of it is in too poor a state to bring back into use, much of it can be renewed and will add an extra sense of history and authenticity to the restoration project.

The project involves significant work to the building including redecoration inspired by original paints and colours.

A collection of historic local pictures recently acquired by Dartford Borough Council will be displayed, and the Peter Blake Gallery will be fully returned to its original use as a space for local artists' exhibitions.

Original doorways connecting the library and Dartford Borough Museum will be opened for the first time in many decades to allow users to move between the collections.

Public facilities will be improved with toilets and changing facilities being provided, along with a new meeting room for groups and societies.

A new Centenary Room will be created and two meeting spaces will be used for deaths and births registrations.