Business owners are backing ambitious plans to revitalise a shopping centre by building a tech hub, community space and pop-ups.

Gravesham council has revealed its proposals for the St George’s Centre in Gravesend as it hopes to continue increasing footfall despite changing shopping habits.

A report discussed by cabinet members stated a rise in online shopping and the increasing pressure caused by the rising cost of living has created a “crisis on high streets” across the country.

It said: “Despite this, Gravesend town centre and the St George’s Centre continue to buck the national retail vacancy rate.

“However, the diversification of uses will be key to the future success of the centre with a number of specific initiatives under way.”

With more than 35 units, the St George’s Centre only has a few empty shopfronts but hopes to have 100% of them occupied by looking at new, diverse ways to fill them.

Councillors noted the report which said contracts are being finalised with an operator to build a 8,300sq ft tech hub across four empty units.

The workspace would be open for flexible small offices, and individuals and could be used as a meeting room to help grow the borough’s knowledge economy.

There are also plans to install a small number of pods available for business and community groups where the current play area is to “better utilise the space”.

Funding options are also being explored to support areas for studios, NHS services, children’s activities, youth facilities and shared kitchens to “revitalise St George’s”.

Centre manager Krishna Phipps was also praised for her ideas such as a pop-up beach, indoor skatepark and children’s book festival which attracted more than 1,000 extra visitors.

Speaking to KentOnline, chairman of the special advisory cabinet committee which oversees the council’s commercial investments, Cllr Lenny Rolles said: “The hope is the plans will increase the footfall into the St George’s Centre and really deliver something that is different for residents.

“Since Covid, we have recognised that the face of retail in town centres is changing. We have listened.

“It is a really, really great thing. We are trying to change it from solely a retail space to one with leisure space too.

“We are trying to find ways to deliver for residents and businesses. If we do not change the way it works, it will be challenging going forward.

“We have really got to focus on making the town centre lively, safe and attractive space to come and use.

“Town centres are not all about shopping any more. It is about trying to drive and revitalise the town centre and make that work.”

Charlie Bevan has owned St George’s Flowers in the centre for six years and said he is pleased to see the new manager focusing on creating change.

He added: “Everyone is trying their best to fill these gaps which are being left on our high streets.

“After Covid, it could have been quits but it is starting to creep back up again. We are looking onwards and upwards.

“You go to some places and it is desolate but here, it is a hustling and bustling little shopping centre.

“Krishna has come in, taken over the reins and it is thriving.”

The owner of Deb’s Cards, Jason Brown, agreed: “The changes are really welcomed. Some high streets are a ghost town but here, they are going out of their way to fill the shops.

“I do not think a lot of councils are pushing to do that or being as proactive. They are trying to improve things which from my point of view is wonderful.

“There are some lovely ideas. I am really grateful we have such a proactive centre manager and council.

“It is not just about the rent, they are pushing for things to improve for the shopkeepers and customers.”

The St George’s Centre will be holding more events including a Romanian Christmas Festival on December 15.