Work to tear down a former, beloved town centre nightclub has now started.

The Funky Monkey in Dover, which closed last year, is being demolished along with the neighbouring former Post Office.

The two buildings, at numbers 14 and 15 Bench Street, are to be replaced with new homes, and business, education and cultural centres.

Dover District Council (DDC) is behind the multimillion-pound project, with much of the funding coming from central government levelling up money.

Number 11 Bench Street – the former Castle Amusements building – will also be demolished as part of the scheme.

The building, visible from the A20 to drivers heading to Dover port, was used as a canvas by famous artist Banksy in 2017.

His painting however – an image of a workman on a ladder chipping away one of the stars of the EU flag – was mysteriously whitewashed two years later.

A DDC spokesman said the council had “extensively” explored options about saving the Banksy, but with this not possible, it is hoped a scan could result in a copy being made.

Scaffolding and fencing now surround all three buildings, with diggers being used to start demolition work on the Funky Monkey and the ex-Post Office.

A spokesman for the council said: “Contractors appointed by DDC took possession of council-owned land and property in Bench Street, Dover on June 19.

“Since then, there has been increased activity in Bench Street as DDS Demolition set up a site compound along with additional safety and security measures to protect both the site and the public ahead of the planned demolition of unsafe buildings.

“Demolition work has started on 14 and 15 Bench Street.

“The demolition is presently expected to take another six to eight weeks.”

As well as 11, 14 and 15, two other buildings on Bench Street - including the site of the former Crypt restaurant, where a fire killed seven people in 1977 - were bought by the council for the regeneration of the area, which is aided by £18 million in levelling up money.

The new education campus and business centre are planned for where The Funky Monkey sits. The cultural centre will take over a car park in the street.

Meanwhile, a residential development is proposed for number 11.

The council views Bench Street as a key link between the seafront and the recently-renovated Market Square, which had huge metal ring water features installed last summer.

DDC is now seeking potential tenants for the creative centre, business centre and education campus - which together will be known as Dover Beacon.

The creative centre will provide space for art and culture, including exhibitions, gallery space, functions, presentations, and meetings, together with studio/making spaces, and the potential for a café and retail.

Meanwhile, the business hub will provide affordable facilities for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises, to attract and keep skilled workers and provide new employment opportunities.

The education campus will offer training opportunities in the creative and digital industries.

As well as new buildings the development will also have a small park where tenants and their clients and the wider community, can meet and spend leisure time.