Multi-million-pound plans for a business, arts and education hub have been given the go-ahead.

An application for the landmark four-story development in Bench Street, Dover, was unanimously voted through by Dover District Council’s (DDC) planning committee on Thursday night, and the building could be completed in two years.

Committee members and the council leader have heralded the £24.8m project as a major boost for Dover, with Cllr James Black telling the meeting: “We need more investment in Dover town centre so I accept the officers’ recommendation to approve.”

Cllr David Beaney said: “It’ is an absolute honour and a privilege to be on the planning committee where we are going to accept a building that will be at the front of Dover for many years to come.”

The building is the main part of the Dover Beacon project, which is set to deliver more than £90 million of economic benefit, bringing investment to jobs and skills across the area.

It will be made up of a further education campus to enable young people to access education, training and skills in creative and digital industries.

There will also be a business centre to to support start-ups and help small to medium-sized businesses to grow.

Its creative centre will be for contemporary filmmaking, digital creativity and immersive art.

The project follows a consultation and public engagement on design proposals, including a drop-in at EKC Dover College in November last year.

Construction is due to start this September and finish in spring 2026, when the centre is set to be handed to tenant businesses and organisations for fitting out works.

Council leader Kevin Mills said after the planning meeting: “This is fantastic news for the town, district and area.

“This will provide an incredible boost to Dover, supporting regeneration, providing business and creative spaces, and creating exciting new jobs and access to education, training and skills opportunities for young people.”

The building replaces Bench Street Car Park and premises such as the Funky Monkey nightclub, which were knocked down last year.

It will be bordered by Bench Street, Fishmongers Lane, Mill Lane and Townwall Street, and is seen by DDC as an “entrance point” into the town.

The scheme, brought forward by DDC, has £3.2m earmarked from the Future High Street Fund, and a £1.7m commitment from DDC for the creative centre and underpass improvements on Townwall Street/ A20.

Some £18.1m of funding for the education campus and business start-up centre comes from the Levelling up Fund, together with £1.8m from DDC.

This will also go towards an improved public realm and expansion of a Dover cycle hire scheme.