The opening of the world's first indoor skate and urban sports centre being built in Kent has been pushed back by a year.

Delays to tender contracts for builders to bid to take on the next stage of work has seen work grind to a halt on the site in Folkestone.

But bosses have moved to quickly reassure the hiatus is only a brief one and work is due to continue within the next few weeks once a contractor is appointed.

It has meant work has stopped on the site of the former bingo hall and nightclub at the corner of Dover Road and Tontine Street.

Plans were approved for the £10 million centre by Shepway council's planning committee last year with work starting in the summer.

"The contractor for the second stage will be appointed in the next few weeks, construction will begin almost immediately afterwards and take up to a year." Peter Bettley, RDCHT

It is being funded and developed by the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust as part of a wave of regeneration plans for the town.

The first stage of building is complete which includes all groundwork and foundations, said the trust's Peter Bettley.

Problems arose in drawing up tender documents for the remaining work which has been described as more detailed and complicated due to "the specialist nature".

Mr Bettley said: "These have taken longer to prepare than envisaged in order to incorporate input from specialist designers in skating and climbing and combining them with the consultations that have taken place.

"This will ensure that the building fulfils its true potential, that best value is achieved and that the project attracts potential contractors with appropriate expertise.

"The contractor for the second stage will be appointed in the next few weeks, construction will begin almost immediately afterwards and take up to a year."

Mr Bettley also confirmed the "more detailed design work" does not need to go back to the council for planning consent.

But it means the opening of the centre, which has received worldwide acclaim and celebrity endorsements from American rapper MC Hammer and pro-skater Bam Margera, is now expected to be in 2018.

When plans were first revealed it was hoped the centre would crown the opening of this year's Folkestone Triennial arts festival.

The centre will have skating over three floors, climbing walls, a new area for Folkestone Boxing Club and a penthouse space that can be hired out for special events.

Shepway Sports Trust will run the centre when it opens.