A £1 million open air theatre in Dartford’s Central Park has been given the go-ahead.

The stage and seating for up to 400 people will be built on the site of the old bowls club, close to the Ecology of Colour building.

Council leader Cllr Jeremy Kite (Con) is hopeful that work will be finished in time for summer next year.

Dartford councillors will tonight (Thursday) be expected to approve a budget plan of £1 million.

The report before councillors explains the work needed, saying: “The project includes a new access bridge from Central Park onto the site, the theatre complex which includes screening, audience tiered seating, the stage and proscenium, repair and refurbishing the existing toilets, upgrading site security, upgrading the services, provision of other infrastructure and extensive landscaping to set the theatre into the landscape.

“It also includes a sensitive lighting scheme from Market Street to the site in night time to ensure safe access for the public.”

Surveys have discovered a community of water voles have extended their homes along the riverbanks as a result of previous environmental works.

Part of the vole community, the council says, will need to be relocated from around the bridge.

Project officer Tony Phillips said: “While this is achievable it may affect the timing of the project overall and officers are awaiting a schedule setting out when this can be undertaken.”

A tender will be put out once the budget has been rubber stamped to find someone to do the work.

Cllr Kite told the Messenger: “The theatre will be the last major intervention from the council in Central Park, and it will probably be the finest. I think people will love it.

“It is exactly what many communities need and want, but which very few councils across the country are providing.

“Our previous Shakespeare in the Park performances have gone down very well and this theatre will provide shows for everyone to enjoy, over every generation.”