The Coniston was acquired in September 2006 by local businessmen Ernie Berntsen and Chris Richardson who owned and recently sold the successful fire alarm systems company IFP Ltd in Upchurch.

Bedfont Construction (Coniston LLP) is their new company name and the Coniston will be the first bespoke hotel development in their property portfolio.

They have spent the last four years renovating the original Coniston House - built as a private residence in 1880.

This multi-million pound development is aiming for a four-star grading with 71 en suite bedrooms and eight suites, plus a fine dining restaurant seating around 100.

The Coniston will not only regain its place within the town but also generate jobs for the hospitality and tourism sector.

Conference and banqueting facilities will be substantial.

The original ballroom on the ground floor has been extended and has its own dedicated entrance.

Anticipated capacities for social events will be up to 180 guests and between 200 and 250 conference delegates.

To complement the main room, the Coniston will have a further six rooms on the first floor with their own catering area. A conference office and business centre will also ensure that event organisers and delegates have the full range of business services available.

Berntsen says: "The fact that the hotel was such a prominent and successful feature in Sittingbourne in times gone by, has driven us to embark on this project with the objective of creating a sustainable facility for the community as a whole

"We feel privileged to have the opportunity to regenerate such an important asset for the town and look forward to opening the doors once again."

"We believe the Coniston will provide a refreshing alternative in north Kent for businesses, event organisers and incentive groups wanting real value and four-star facilities and services outside London."