Business and community partners are being sought to take up space at a historic town-centre events venue following a multi-million pound refurbishment.

Large parts of the Grade II listed Acacia Hall estate have been revamped and other parts completely demolished in an overhaul of the site.

The historic events venue in Dartford town centre was most recently used as a temporary home for the town’s library services while the main building in Central Park received a makeover.

Successive attempts to market the site to prospective leisure and hospitality firms had proven unsuccessful and so in 2018 up to £5 million was set aside by Dartford council for its refurbishment in a bid to drum up more interest.

The ballroom, squash court, boiler house and grounds maintenance room were all removed but the centre-piece mansion house, marquee and sports hall remain.

Works were delayed by the onset of the Covid-19 which also led to rising costs – but the project has now been completed, as well as related River Darent restoration works.

Following its completion, the Acacia Estate now boasts five buildings, including a Victorian mansion house, a sports hall and a former coach house.

Dartford council is now looking to engage with businesses and other organisations who are interested in the next stage of the estate’s future.

It believes the buildings on site could be leased for a range of uses, including hospitality, entertainment, retail, office space, sports, culture and leisure.

The authority is looking for interested organisations who could use the existing structures for new commercial and community ventures to step forward.

Potential partners are being offered the opportunity to demonstrate their interest in Acacia, either as a whole, or individual properties on the estate, by viewing a prospectus put together by the council and responding to a brief survey.

Leader of the council Jeremy Kite, said: “After a multi-million pound regeneration, Acacia now needs businesses, activities and people to take advantage of its amazing location and opportunities.

“We’re looking for those who relish the opportunity to work in one of the fastest growing economies in England and an area that benefits from great transport links and beautiful scenic views, all within the cultural heart of our town.”

Anyone interested in seeing what the Acacia Estate has to offer should email leisure.services@dartford.gov.uk.