An abandoned warehouse is set to be flattened this month as contractors start work on a new Costa drive-thru.

The unit is to be built in Snargate Street – which runs alongside the A20 in Dover – on a disused patch of land left in a “dilapidated state”.

Demolition teams are now on site and work on the development is set to be finished by September.

The drive-thru, which will be the town’s fourth Costa, will also come with 19 parking spaces – six of which will have electric charging points.

A Costa Coffee spokesman said: “We’re thrilled to be opening our first drive-thru Costa Coffee store in Dover, conveniently located along the A20.

“The new store is also set to create several job opportunities, bringing a boost to the Dover community.”

Plans for the drive-thru were approved by Dover District Council (DDC) last year.

The site is approximately 0.5 acres in size and is home to an ageing, late 20th century warehouse.

The land is located within walking distance from the town centre and St James retail park.

The retail park is already home to two Costas – one standalone cafe and one inside the Next store.

A third Costa can be found in the middle of the town, in Biggin Street, while the BP petrol station in nearby Limekiln Street also serves the brand’s coffee.

The development is part of a waterfront regeneration scheme which has already seen the £250 million redevelopment of Dover Marina in Western Docks.

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Jason Ransley, head of property at the Port of Dover, said: “Both the Port and Dover as a town have a positive and vibrant future ahead with continued investment in the area from well-known national names, independent brands, and expert development partners.

“The revived Western Docks saw our new marina open last year and expansive new recreational space in the Clock Tower square and Marina Curve.

“With more plans for expansion in the future, Dover continues to offer exciting new development opportunities for property development.

“We are delighted to be working with Bride Hall Real Estate Partners and Octavia Estates on the latest regeneration project and look forward to seeing the site progress in the coming months.”

The Dover Western Docks Revival is an ongoing transformation project and has included the opening of the Marina Pier and Cargo Terminal West in 2019.

Planning permission has also been given for a 90-room motel, granted by Dover District Council along the quayside.