Preparation works for building have now started on the St James’ development in Dover as the project starts its next phase.

The site is being levelled to accommodate piled foundations for the cinema and restaurant complex at the eastern side.

Similar piling works will then be undertaken for the Travelodge hotel on the corner of Woolcomber Street and Townwall Street, before moving on to what will be the main retail block in Townwall Street.

"It is another key milestone in our plans to reinvigorate Dover town centre" - Tim Ingleton, DDC

Contractors are carrying out the piling works with a system that minimises noise and impact on neighbouring properties.

Earthworks and utility diversions are also taking place across the site which is being developed to provide 120,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space in the heart of Dover town centre.

This comes after Burlington House, County Hotel and the multi-storey car park were all demolished and archaeological investigations were completed.

Paul Ceasar, project manager for developers, Bond City, said: “We’d like to thank the local community for their support during the ongoing works and the Canterbury Archaeological Trust and their volunteers who completed 215 days of excavations on the site.”

The works will also mean the footway along a section of Woolcomber Street will be closed to pedestrians for about six months, and the footpath in Townwall Street will also be closed following agreement from Highways England.

Tim Ingleton, head of inward investment at Dover District Council, said: “Work starting on the foundations of the St James’ development is another key milestone in our plans to reinvigorate Dover town centre. Investor and tenant interest in the scheme remains strong.”

The retail provision will include a 16,000 sq ft M&S, a six -screen multiplex Cineworld cinema, a 108-bed Travelodge, five national chain restaurants, including Frankie & Benny’s, Nandos and Bella Italia, along with another 12 retail units ranging in size from 2,730 sq ft to 16,000 sq ft. These are now 85% let with announcements on tenants due soon.

It will include leisure space and 450 car parking spaces.