Plans to transform a former nightclub site into a multimillion-pound creative centre will "kickstart the regeneration" of a town centre, bosses say.

Fresh artist's impressions show how the four-storey Dover Beacon project is set to look - months after a popular Funky Monkey nightspot was flattened to make way for the scheme.

Dover District Council (DDC) is now considering its own planning application after full plans for the Bench Street scheme were lodged last week.

If the authority grants itself permission, the "landmark" building will feature three tenants: a creative centre, business centre and education campus.

Millions of pounds will be spent on the scheme – with £3.2 million coming from the Future High Street Fund, £1.7 million from DDC’s town centre regeneration fund, £18.1 million funding awarded from the Levelling Up Fund and a further £1.8 million from DDC.

The ex-Funky Monkey was demolished last summer in preparation for the project, while the former Bench Street car park, which also forms part of the development site, was shut off in January.

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

The building, which is expected to have 52 employees on opening, will be a mix of one, two, three and four storeys and will have space for education, offices, a studio, gallery and cafe.

There will also be a small park and expansion of the new Dover Click2Cycle bike hire scheme, where electric bikes are available to hire.

In a report, planning agents Lee Evans Partnership, working on behalf of DDC, said: “It is hoped that the Dover Beacon will kick start regeneration in the town centre, by drawing new users in and helping Dover realise its potential.

“By introducing new employment opportunities across various sectors and fostering the growth of local businesses, the scheme will inject vitality into Dover’s economic eco-system, bolstering prosperity.

“Simultaneously, the provision of modern education facilities will nurture a skilled workforce in the creative and technical industries. Furthermore, the creation of new office spaces will attract investment.”

Despite the loss of 48 spaces at Bench Street car park, the Dover Beacon development does not provide substitute parking bays.

There are three large council car parks within 200 metres of the site, Albany Place, Woolcomber and Stembrook, with a combined total of 233 spaces including for those with disabilities.

The application does offer a storage area for 40 bicycles with more spaces outdoors.

In its statement, Lee Evans Partnership added: “The building is not intended to be accessed by car, instead promoting sustainable forms for access.

"There are numerous public transport opportunities nearby, as well as cycling and pedestrian routes.

"Dover town centre is dominated by surface car parks so it is proposed that this development will not include parking thanks to its highly accessible location."

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DDC claims the development will “deliver more than £90 million of economic benefits to the town”, with East Kent College Group set to move into the education campus.

On the west side of Bench Street is a separate redevelopment by DDC.

It has involved the demolition last November of the four-storey building that was previously home to Dover’s famous Banksy Brexit mural.

That broader strategy includes improvements to the subway going under the A20 Townwall Street such as better CCTV and redecoration.