A clocktower which has stood at the heart of a town for generations has been given a new lease of life as a pop-up box office.

The recognisable landmark on Suffolk Road, just beside The Orchards Shopping Centre, is now serving as a temporary box office for the Orchard Theatre and the temporary Orchard West.

After standing empty for some time, the building has been fully refurbished with new double glazing, improved security, and a splash of theatrical colour both inside and out.

It opened yesterday (March 27) and has already welcomed its first visitors.

Roshin Keenan, deputy customer experience manager, said: “We have already had great deal of interest and support from our local audience.”

The space has a long history of serving the local community.

In recent years, it was home to Newsstand Comics and Candy, a shop known for its wide selection of Marvel and DC comics, as well as trading cards like Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon.

Before that, the clocktower housed a Tourist Information Centre, offering guidance to visitors keen to explore the area’s heritage and attractions.

Now, with its refreshed look and renewed purpose, the building is once again welcoming the public.

The box office is open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 3pm.

Walk-in visitors can book tickets for upcoming shows at Orchard West and The Orchard Theatre, or ask questions about the venue’s community events programme.

The return to face-to-face service has been a welcome change for the team, who are enjoying reconnecting with the community.

“The Orchard Theatre and Orchard West are an integral part of the Dartford community,” added Ms Keenan.

“So being able to speak to our customers face-to-face is at the heart of that.

“Our team is all settled in and ready to help with bookings, reservations or any general enquiries, so please do pop by and say hello!”

The Orchard Theatre in Dartford has been shut since September 2023 when it was found to have reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in its roof.

It was set to reopen this year but will stay closed for another year while the council “presses ahead” with works to redesign and rebuild large sections of it, which require an additional £10 million in funding.

All shows are currently being held at its temporary replacement, the Orchard West.