A 48-space car park has opened in Bench Street, the first in a long line of developments to attract more people to Dover.

It was formally opened by Cllr Nigel Collor and chairman of Dover District Council Sue Chandler on Thursday afternoon.

It occupies the old Centurion House site.

Mrs Chandler said: “We are delighted to open this new car park, which will help to encourage people into the town centre at this exciting time.

'This is the first new council car park to be built in the district for more than a decade...' - chairman Cllr Sue Chandler

“This is the first new council car park to be built in the district for more than a decade, and is a key part of the continuing transformational investment in this part of Dover.”

People will pay to parl from 9am-5pm from Monday to Saturday and it will be free on Sundays with a maximum stay of four hours.

It is also set to feature an array of artwork, but details are still being finalised as to what they will show.

The St James’ complex is set to house a six-screen Cineworld complex, M&S Simply Food, and fashion retailer Next.

Restaurants Frankie and Benny’s and Bella Italia have also signed up.

There are more units that need to be filled but it is understood discussions are still ongoing with potential tenants.

The construction of eight affordable residential units on the corner of Castle Street is also well underway.

A 108-bed Travelodge hotel is also being erected, and the whole scheme is scheduled for completion next summer.

For more details on parking, see: www.dover.gov.uk/parking or for more information on regeneration projects in Dover, see the Invest In Dover website at: www.investindover.co.uk.