A question mark hangs over the future of a huge site which housed a recently demolished shopping centre.

De Bradelei Wharf, at Cambridge Road, Dover, was flattened before Christmas, and although the space will be used as a car park for the short term, its eventual fate is unknown.

Landowner Port of Dover says it is looking at potential uses, but it is too early to pin them down.

In a statement, a spokesman told KentOnline said: “We are still exploring possible future opportunities for the site and will issue more information when that is confirmed.”

The 10-unit centre, which opened in 2002, was reduced to rubble in December, and now workers have started concreting it over.

The centre’s management, JB Armstrong, announced the closure in April, citing a rise in energy bills and much-needed renovations as the reasons.

Their winter gas bill went up from £3,000 a month to £15,000, reflecting a trend nationwide.

The building, which dates back to the 19th century, needed extensive work, which would have meant a bill of £100,000 for renovations, £50,000 for insulation and £100,000 for structural tasks.

The lease ended on April 7, but the Port of Dover let it function for three more months, the doors finally closing on July 14.

Some 25 staff were made redundant.

Brands at the centre include Skopes, Klass, Julian Charles, Gabbicci, Regatta, Wierd Fish and Emma.

De Bradelei Wharf, overlooking Wellington Dock, was made from former shipyard sheds, with the intention to attract passengers from Dover Cruise Terminal, which opened in 1996.

In August the port authority was given planning permission by Dover District Council to knock down the building, a process which began in October.