A businessman eyeing up new shops on the transformed site of a former bus depot says it could house a Sainsbury’s Local and Costa Coffee.

London-based firm Guildmore Ltd has completed work on the £20 million regeneration of the old Stagecoach base in Herne Bay High Street.

Company bosses say they are close to selling the commercial space along the route to two Kent-based tycoons.

One of them - who is yet to complete the purchase - told this website the space could house national chains Sainsbury’s and Costa, as he and another local buyer aim to lease the sites out.

Guildmore’s senior land manager, Josh Cramer, says the huge development - which contains 50 homes in all - has breathed new life into the “sad, derelict bus garage”.

“The commercial units are flexible and that has attracted a range of potential occupiers,” said Mr Cramer.

“They are close to being sold to local businessmen, so there will likely be a range of interesting and largely independent operators moving in.

“The location will probably attract a mix of small local businesses and national operators.

“It is unlikely to be restaurants, but I think the space would suit a gym well.

“It could also be anything from a coffee shop to a clothing retailer or grocery store.”

Guildmore started working on the prime town centre site three years ago, but was hampered by expensive setbacks caused by supply chain issues.

Senior staff at the firm previously revealed that subsequent building delays forced it into paying thousands of pounds more on materials.

All but 10 of the 21 cottages and 29 flats have been snapped up and moved into.

Mr Cramer says the house-builder was expecting to sell about half of the properties to Londoners - but that the majority have gone to locals.

“Hopefully residents in the town will agree the development is a nice addition to the high street,” he continued.

“We know it’s a desirable area to live in, so we were expecting a lot of interest from Londoners and elsewhere in Kent.

“We had that, but most of the demand was local.”