A massive town regeneration project, costing around £20 million, is still years off completion.

The latest update on Dartford council’s scheme, which was thought to be completed by 2021, to improve the layout and appearance of the town centre, will be heard this week.

The project was originally planned to be delivered in four phases to make the area cleaner, safer, and more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly as it struggles with high levels of housing developments.

The main bulk of the work is being funded via two government pots totalling £12 million, with the additional phases being supported by developer contributions and the council’s own funds.

It was thought all four phases would be completed by summer 2021 but the project has been hit by numerous delays and complications due to the pandemic, supplier issues and disputes with contractors.

And while some phases such as Market Street have been completed, other elements are still under construction, still awaiting final designs or have been further deferred.

In a report set to be discussed by councillors, council officers have laid out the latest updates on the scheme.

It said: “The overall completion date is now later than predicted but the project is delivering ongoing transport-related improvements to the town centre and is responding to changes and new development, thus where possible and funding is available the scope is being expanded.”

The re-paving of the High Street and pedestrianised section of Lowfield Street are largely complete - although residents have previously branded it “a shambles” and “a disgrace” due to the untidy appearance.

The report states that some areas do “apperl unfinished and surfaced with a ‘black top’” but says it is waiting for the granite planter installations and bollards to arrive after the contractor ordered them late.

Phase 2A of the project which is looking to improve the Instone Road junction by providing a signalised junction with a crossing is halfway complete.

It is expected that the works will be finished by November with phase 2B, West Hill junction, and phase 3A, Spital Street, starting in February 2024.

The plans for Hythe Street, which would be phase 3 of the project, have been recommended for deferral due to the increasing costs of the scheme following the numerous delays.

Phase 4 of the major development which will look to improve the Westgate Road, Kent Road and Hythe Street junctions is also still being designed however Kent County Council (KCC) is hoping to bring it forward.

The report has recommended cabinet members start phase 4 ahead of phase 3 due to the former being a “critical part of the project” but has not set a date of when this could be.

It added officers have identified improvements for pedestrian and cycle routes and are seeking agreement to carry out further works if funding can be secured.

A fifth phase for Overy Liberty and Home Gardens, which could see a crossing installed and the subway removed, has been added but is again dependent on further funding.

As of March 3 2023, the report states there is still more than £7 million remaining from the external funding.

The report will be discussed at a cabinet meeting tomorrow (Thursday, July 20).

Officers have recommended the project progresses as detailed and the programme is agreed upon, extra funding is sought, and to continue looking for other possible improvements.