Crowds of eager shoppers could once again flock to Gravesend Borough Market after a lottery grant worth £1.8 million was awarded by government ministers.

The cash boost will ensure some much-needed tender loving care is given to the old building, with new plans submitted by Clay Architecture set to revamp the site for shoppers.

The news was announced by the government this morning.

The money, a Big Lottery grant, is part of the Coastal Communities Fund and will create 35 jobs for people in the area.

Elsewhere in Kent, communities minister Lord Ahmad toured Margate as he announced a £247,000 grant to develop tourism along Thanet's coast and create 15 jobs.

The Big Lottery awards funding to community groups to help education, health and the environment, while the Coastal Communities Fund was created to help coastal towns achieve their economic potential.

Gravesend Borough Market was one of a number of schemes that received funding across the country.

Coastal Communities minister Penny Mordaunt said: “These fantastic projects demonstrate the creativity, enterprise and passion needed to help seaside towns become year round destinations that people are proud to live and work in.”

The announcement shows a change in direction regarding Gravesham’s government funding, with our council on the end of the highest cuts out of any local authority in the county.

There are rumours the lack of cash could be a political issue, as Gravesham is the only Labour led council in the county.

Back in March of last year, town hall bosses asked Clay to carry out a study on how best to regenerate the market.

The building itself, the firm said, was “tired and run down and in need of repair and refurbishment”.

The main plans for the market hall are to reintroduce high-level roof lights which will not only improve the lighting but be used as a screen to stop the glare during the summer months.

There are also plans to introduce fixed stall structures along the outside walls complete with roofs, roller shutters and removable partitions to offer flexibility in stall sizes.

The middle of the market will be kept clear, although it could be used for temporary stall holders.

The town’s market was established in 1268 and came as a grant from Henry III to the Manor of Parrock for a market to run every Saturday with an annual fair in June.

For many years, the covered market was the premier destination for people in search of a bargain in the area.

Weekend crowds travelling from near and far would flock to the town centre to get their shopping, whether it was groceries or household goods.

While bargain hunting was the draw, some came just for the entertainment.

Legendary market trader Strongy, would gather huge crowds around his stall in the 1950s and 60s.

However, these days have long since passed and for many people in the town walking around the market now is a depressing experience.

A few plucky traders are still selling their wares, fighting indifference from shoppers who prefer the familiarity and draw of chain shops on the high street.

Council leader Cllr John Burden, believes this is the beginning of a successful new dawn for the market.

He said: "It is very good news that the merit of the council’s initiative to refurbish one of the oldest charter markets in England has been recognised with this award.

“The council will now be able to progress our plans to rejuvenate and transform the market so it can once again take its place at the very heart of this riverside heritage town.”