A town centre’s £20 million high street regeneration continues to struggle to fill its empty shops three years after work on the scheme finished.

The transformation of the rundown former Stagecoach bus depot in Herne Bay had raised hopes of seeing fresh life brought into the town when it was approved in 2018.

Boasting 50 homes and nine commercial plots, the multi-million-pound scheme initially attracted attention from Londoners looking to relocate to the coast.

However, many buyers pulled out while potential tenants for the retail parade have been few and far between since the project was completed in 2022.

The latest attempt to plug the gaps has seen estate agent Zest Homes offer more than half of the units out for £220,000 on a 999-year leasehold.

In its latest listing, alongside others which have remained on property websites for two years, the firm says it is an “excellent investment opportunity for businesses looking to establish a presence in a vibrant and thriving area”.

“With its modern design, versatile spaces, and convenient location, it is sure to appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. Don't miss the chance to make this impressive building your own,” it adds.

Promises of seeing town-based tycoons buy the commercial space as a whole have seemingly fallen through, with Guildmore Herne Bay Ltd still listed as the freehold owner despite saying two years ago a sale was nearing completion.

However, so far just two hairdressers, a Thai massage spot and tanning salon have opted to move into the area – named Bay Square.

Offloaded by Stagecoach in 2016 ahead of its move to Eddington Lane, Herne Bay developer Anthony Leggatt took on the site and was awarded planning approval for 21 cottages, 29 flats and the retail space two years later.

The following summer he retired and sold the land to London-based developer Guildmore Ltd, which hoped to start work on the eyesore site in early 2020.

Construction was delayed for six months by the outbreak of the pandemic, subsequently costing the firm thousands as HGV shortages impacted costs, but was completed a couple of years later.

The prime town centre spot was listed as one of three key regeneration sites in Herne Bay by Canterbury City Council in 2010.

In 2008, planning permission to build a Sainsbury’s on the site was submitted and subsequently withdrawn.

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Both nationally and throughout Kent the retail sector has struggled over recent years due to a multiple of external pressures; economic turbulence, supply chain disruption and changing consumer behavior.

Moreover, firms have had to combat rising interest rates, the cost of living crisis, and the rise of online shopping.

Big retailers such as Shoe Zone and Homebase are just some of the big names forced to shut their Kent stores – with Herne Bay losing both.

Last month, it was revealed one in four shops in Ramsgate were vacant while efforts to fill retail units at the Slatters Development in Canterbury continue.

While multiple shopfronts remain vacant on the development, a Guildmore Herne Bay Ltd spokesperson insisted it had just one unit left to sell and those marketed by Zest Homes were not associated with Guildmore.

“Guildmore Herne Bay Ltd have sold the majority of the commercial units, with just one unit left for sale. We are pleased to share that the sale of the last remaining property is progressing forward,” the firm said.

“Zest have no affiliation with and have never been appointed by Guildmore Herne Bay Ltd.

“We remain confident that the sale of the final unit will be completed in the near future which will continue to enhance the vibrancy of Herne Bay’s vibrant high street.”