IT’S a facelift to rival any Hollywood A-lister - and this lady was starting to show signs of ageing despite her tender 25 years.

But a £100,000 nip, tuck and transformation has taken the St George’s Centre multi-storey car park from grimy to gorgeous.

A two-month refurbishment has removed all traces of graffiti which once scarred the face of the town centre site.

And once dark, dingy corridors throughout the four-storey building are now bathed in light to improve the security of shoppers.

Edinburgh House Estates, which owns the centre, decided to embark on the works as part of a large plan to improve parking throughout Gravesend town centre.

The recent planning application submitted by the company for the regeneration of Gravesend Heritage Quarter includes plans to provide upgraded parking facilities, with capacity doubled from approximately 300 to 600 spaces.

Edinburgh House also proposes to introduce a dedicated bus lane from Crooked Lane to Harmer Street, with a new bus stop at St Andrew’s Gardens, in an attempt to improve and promote the Heritage Quarter’s public transport.

Tony Quayle, managing director of Edinburgh House, said: “The new parking provision in the Heritage Quarter will be a huge boost to Gravesend’s shoppers and retailers alike.

“Better parking facilities will make it quicker and easier to park and will encourage people to visit the town centre rather than going further afield.”

It is hoped the changes made to the St George’s site, which cost more than £100,000, will provide a safe environment and improved lighting will make it easier for shoppers to find a free spot in one of its 370 spaces, easing congestion during peak times.

Centre manager Nicky Blanchard revealed the refurbishment has been welcomed by shoppers.

She said: “We have received some very positive feedback from shoppers and improvements have been warmly welcomed by the locals who feel a lot safer using the car park.”

For more information about St George’s Centre visit www.stgeorgescentre.co.uk