Folkestone is a step closer to getting its new Urban Sports Park, the first of its kind in the world, as the main contractor has been appointed to start the work.

The £10m state-of-the art premises is set to replace the former bingo hall, which has been flattened, at the junction of Dover Road and Tontine Street.

Shepway Sports Trust, which will manage the site, has commissioned Ashford-based Westridge Construction to carry out the construction.

The building has been designed by Guy Hollaway Architects.

Skating would be on the first to third floors and urban sports would be included within it, including floors for skateboarding, BMX bikes, scooters and a climbing wall through three floors.

The building would also become a new home for Folkestone Boxing Club, based a short walk away in Dover Road.

It will also have a café and a rooftop penthouse space that can be hired for special events.

The project has sought the views from all walks of life during its several rounds of consultation - including the general public and potential users.

Expert input has been provided by Maverick Industries, specialists in skate park design.

It was unanimously supported by councillors at the Shepway planning committee in February.

Work is set to begin this year and it is scheduled to open late summer next year.

The site has been supplied by the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, which is also paying for the development and construction.

Westridge Construction’s managing director Steve Phillips said: “We are pleased to have been awarded this prestigious contract.

“Being based locally, it is good to see so many significant developments that are helping to make Folkestone and other towns in Kent more attractive places in which to live and work, and we are proud that we can be part of this process.”

The Urban Sports Park will be managed by Shepway Sports Trust.

Trustee Dan Hulme said: “We are excited that this concept is about to become a reality.

“It represents a great opportunity for local people to engage in a range of sports and we believe this will also provide yet another reason for people to visit Folkestone.

“The appointment of Westridge follows a rigorous selection process to identify a contractor that could deliver this challenging project on time and to the highest standard.”