Work has started ahead of the demolition of a popular former nightclub.

The Funky Monkey in Bench Street, Dover, which closed last year, is due to be torn down as part of a multi-million pound project to rejuvenate the area.

Demolition contractors have now taken control of the site, with fences being erected and a wrecking crane put in place.

Diggers appear to be clearing the surrounding plot, with demolition due to start any day.

The land is owned by Dover District Council (DDC), as well as several neighbouring buildings.

New homes, business, education and cultural centres are planned for the street, which sits between the town centre and the seafront.

A spokesman for DDC said: “Contractors appointed by DDC took possession of council-owned land and property in Bench Street on Monday, June 19 ahead of the redevelopment of the long-term derelict site.

“In the coming days and weeks, there will be increased activity in Bench Street as DDS Demolition sets up a site compound along with additional safety and security measures to protect both the site and the public.

“This is ahead of the planned demolition of unsafe buildings at 11, 14 and 15 Bench Street.

“Temporary footpath restrictions will remain in place throughout the demolition.

“The works will not require any road closures and pedestrian access to the town centre and seafront will be maintained via the underpass.”

The Funky Monkey, which closed in September after 16 years, stands at 14 Bench Street.

It was nicknamed "Funky's" by many Dovorians and became the town’s biggest nightclub with a capacity for 240 revellers.

It was usually filled at weekends and had a rating of three out of five stars on TripAdvisor.

One reviewer described how it was "always a good night out in Funky's" while another said "lots has changed over the years for the better".

But others bemoaned its "sticky, dirty carpets" and claimed "you get stuck to the floor when you walk in".

Next door, at 15, is a former post office, and at 11 is the former Castle amusements building, which was famous for having a Banksy Brexit mural from 2017 to 2019. Both are empty and will be demolished too.

A project is underway to see if the Brexit mural can be preserved and moved elsewhere.

These and two other buildings on Bench Street - including the site of the former Crypt restaurant, where a fire killed seven people in 1977 - were bought by the council for the regeneration of the area, which is aided by £18 million in government levelling up money.

The new education campus and business centre are planned for where The Funky Monkey sits.

Meanwhile, a residential development is proposed for number 11.

The council views Bench Street as a key link between the seafront and the recently-renovated Market Square, which had huge metal ring water features installed last summer.

DDC is now seeking potential tenants for the creative centre, business centre and education campus - which together will be known as Dover Beacon.

The creative centre will provide space for art and culture, including exhibitions, gallery space, functions, presentations, and meetings, together with studio/making spaces, and the potential for a café and retail.

Meanwhile the business hub will provide affordable facilities for start-ups and small and medium sized enterprises, to attract and keep skilled workers and provide new employment opportunities.

The education campus will offer training opportunities in the creative and digital industries.

As well as new buildings the development will also have a small park where tenants and their clients and the wider community, can meet and spend leisure time.

Council leader Kevin Mills (Lab) said: “This is an exciting project that brings a long-forgotten part of the town centre of Dover back into community use.

“It’s a great location with easy access to the town centre and St James’ Retail and Leisure Park and the waterfront and port.

“We’re keen to hear from organisations that want to join us in making a real difference by improving life chances for local people, helping new businesses to start up and grow, and celebrating local heritage and creativity.”

For details on the tenancies and to register an expression of interest by Friday, 14 July, visit the Kent Business Portal.