Wine and beer maker Chapel Down has completed the purchase of a 1.6 acre site where it plans to build its first brewery.

The company, headquarted at its vineyards in Tenterden, already has planning permission to build its £1.25 million centre for its Curious Drinks brands.

However, bosses have not revealed when construction will start at the brewery in Victoria Way in Ashford town centre – or when it is expected to open.

The site was given planning approval in August last year as part of a multi-million regeneration scheme which also includes an Aldi, a 125-room hotel and a seven-storey block of 200 flats.

The brewery will run tours and is expected to become a major tourist attraction.

Overall the development is anticipated to create 160 full-time jobs, plus more than 50 jobs in the supply chain.

Chapel Down chief executive Frazer Thompson said: “We are delighted to have completed on the purchase of the freehold site that will see the development of the Curious Brewery in Ashford.

“Situated next to the International train station which connects to Kings Cross in 38 minutes and also to the centre of Paris in less than 2 hours, the Curious Brewery will be a very exciting development for Ashford, for Kent and for contemporary British brewing.

“We’ve had tremendous support from Ashford Borough Council and are looking forward to working with architects Guy Hollaway and developers U+I Plc to create something exceptional.”