Burlington House could be completely gone from Dover’s skyline by January, the KentOnline can exclusively reveal.

Head of inward investment at Dover District Council Tim Ingleton said the office block, formerly 12 floors, could be reduced to three before Christmas.

It will be the first time in 50 years that motorists on the A20 will be able to see Victoria Park and the castle as they approach the town, he added.

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Mr Ingleton told the Mercury: “We are pleased with progress and the manner in which the work has been undertaken with minimal disruption to the community.

'The contractor, DDS, is making good progress and is slightly ahead of schedule' - Tim Ingleton

“The contractor, DDS, is making good progress and is slightly ahead of schedule, despite the recent high winds.

“This will enable the contractor to return after the holiday and complete the job during January.

“In tandem with the demolition process, several areas of the pre-construction site clearance and removal of underground obstructions are now progressing on the eastern end of the site in readiness for the commencement of construction proper in early 2016.”

By spring 2016 residents will see construction of the St James’ development take place, which will replace the run-down area that housed an unused multi-storey car park and County Hotel until earlier this year.

When asked about chain stores and restaurants signing up to the development, Mr Ingleton remained tight-lipped.

He said: “What I can say is that we will be making announcements in the near future and that I am aware of the growing interest in the scheme, which is increasing as the project progresses on site.”

So far, Dover will have a six-screen Cineworld cinema, M&S Simply Food, retailer Next and a 108-bed Travelodge hotel.

Chain restaurants Frankie & Benny’s, Bella Italia and a Nando’s are also signed up.

Rumours have circulated that Mexican eatery Chiquito’s could be the next potential tenant, but there has been no confirmation.