Work on a long-awaited sports hub at the former Herne Bay golf club is set to start in the spring.

Quinn Estates had its bold plans for the 100-acre plot approved by council officials in September 2015.

Now businessman Mark Quinn has revealed work on the sports facilities could start as early as May this year.

“We are doing the main spine road now and as soon as that is done we can start building the sports hub,” Mr Quinn said.

“At the moment, we have got no way to get to the site because the road through the development is not finished yet.

“But that should be done shortly and we cannot wait to deliver the sports hub facility.”

The golf club scheme will include football, hockey and cricket pitches, as well as a 572-home residential complex.

The plans also feature a new 10,000 sq ft supermarket, a care home, a GP surgery, two restaurants and a pub.

"We cannot wait to deliver the sports hub facility..." - Mark Quinn

“As a company, we pride ourselves on delivery and doing what we said we would do,” Mr Quinn added.

“Our site is the only one in Canterbury that is delivering the homes – I think we are two years ahead of any other site in the Canterbury district.

“We are doing exactly what we said we would do and I am really proud of that.”

Mr Quinn revealed that bosses are considering adding a sheltered housing scheme to the golf club development.

He says 60 to 70 elderly people could live in the facility, which would be built next to the 66-bed care home.

Mr Quinn, who applied for planning permission for the three-storey home last year, says there is a demand for assisted living.

“All you have to do is look at the aging population to see there is, without a doubt, a need for it,” he said.

“It is something we support and financially and economically it makes sense as well.”

Herne and Broomfield parish council clerk Monica Blyth thinks sheltered housing needs to be included in the development.

“We have got an aging population and we need to plan ahead and make a provision for them,” she said.

“People have to give up their homes at the moment and then move out of the area to get the accommodation they need.

“We would like to see a provision within the parish so people do not have to move away from the area.”