A leisure centre gutted by fire last summer and empty for almost five years is to rise from the ashes after the council awarded a long-term lease to a new operator linked with a local footballer.

Fleet Leisure in Nelson Road in Gravesend, formerly known as Bowaters, will be run by EUFC Elite Limited, which is co-run by Ebbsfleet United striker Danny Kedwell.

It plans to build a range of 3G artificial pitches, grass pitches, a small gym, a new clubhouse with bar, social area and associated changing rooms.

Proposals were invited via a formal procurement process for a sport and recreational development on the site, with a focus on football.

In April we reported how a preferred operator had been picked.

The next phases of the process of the redevelopment include agreeing the terms of lease, subject to planning, which is anticipated to take place in the next few months.

Nathan Bullas, from EUFC Elite Ltd, said: “Myself and current Ebbsfleet centre forward and academy director Danny Kedwell are really excited about the future for Fleet Leisure.

"As a kid I remember visiting Bowaters, as it was known then, for firework evenings and various social events with my family.

"Years later I played football for Bowaters FC and spent many weekends playing and socialising there.

"I stopped playing football but several years later I found myself back at Bowaters, now called Fleet Leisure, with my young son who began his football journey for Ebbsfleet United Youth FC.

“Unfortunately the venue closed down and I knew it needed investment and a complete overhaul.

"I own and run successful businesses, but along with this I also help run the Ebbsfleet United Youth and scholars with Danny Kedwell.

"Our goal was to find a site and build an innovative football and fitness centre within Gravesham borough, and we are really excited about the future of the Fleet leisure site.”

Cabinet Member for sport, leisure and arts Cllr Sandra Garside said: “Sport and recreation is important to us as a borough.

"Supporting grass roots football in the community, as well as encouraging physical activity, is something that I am pleased that the plans for Fleet Leisure should be able to promote.”