Plans to transform a major landmark in the town centre have been approved by the council.

The £5 million project will see part of Acacia Hall revamped and other parts completely demolished.

Dartford council will redevelop the events venue on High Street with the aim of keeping as much of its history as possible.

The building’s interior dates back to the 19th century, as does the Coach House and a property known as Building D, which are also on the site.

The Grade II listed property’s ballroom, boiler house, squash court, garage, dance studio, maintenance room office, staff facilities, public toilets, tennis courts and playground will all be demolished as part of the upgrade.

But the mansion house, marquee and sports hall will remain while the council refurbishes and makes changes to the Darent Suite and Building D.

The Coach House will be switched to leisure use.

The plan also details changes to the car park to include an additional 130 spaces, two vehicular bridges, and new access routes to Market Street and Darenth Road for two way traffic.

Council leader Cllr Jeremy Kite (Con) said: “Acacia estate is really the last part of the Central Park refurbishment jigsaw and I can’t wait for it to be integrated into the park so people can start to appreciate how beautiful the Mansion House and historic buildings are.

“People seem to like what we have done with Central Park and I think the secret of its success is that we have kept things very traditional and unashamedly old-fashioned. We had a vision from the very beginning and we carried it though.

“We are taking that same approach with Acacia Hall and putting heritage at the heart of everything we do there.

“Opening the Acacia estate to Central Park in one direction and the new Market Square in the other will mean shoppers and town centre visitors will be able to enjoy the history of it every day.

“A well designed new car park by the river will make it just a short walk to the shops or to visit the bandstand, cafe and other attractions in the park.”

Other alterations to the site include installation of external lighting and CCTV, replacing the vicarage wall, re-planting, building a refuse store, making alterations to Market Street’s boundary, the relocation of ponds and the removal of trees.

Building work will also see a Fast Track bus route installed that will link up to Darenth Road, while a new entrance will be created providing two-way access to the existing car park.