A Maidstone nightclub will venture into new heights with the opening of a rooftop bar.

Work will start on Strawberry Moons’ town centre ZUMA Rooftop Garden and Moonlit Bar at the start of January.

The design, believed to be the first of its type in Kent, will give revellers the chance to dance the night away under the stars and is set to feature outdoor seating, a bar and a DJ booth.

The new space will be heated with smoking and non-smoking areas.

Creative designer Ade Roswell, said: “Much of the inspiration for the design has been taken from some of the best rooftop bars around the world. It is set to be the first and only one of it’s kind in Kent.

“We are hoping to incorporate the illusion of being inside with the benefits of being outside.”

The night-time economy is still an important part of Maidstone’s identity with a number of new bars and clubs opening in recent months.

Up to 10,000 people hit the streets every Saturday night in Maidstone.

The 21 bars, clubs and pubs around the town bring in about £75 million every year, according to Coxheath and Hunton Ward Cllr John Wilson (Con).

The town’s main venues, including Strawberry Moons, The Gallery and Mu Mu’s, pay a total £322,791 in business rates ,of which Maidstone Borough Council receives about £130,000.

Town centre manager Ilsa Butler added: “The night-time economy in Maidstone is crucial to the economic health of the town centre and is a key factor in the town’s offer.

“People socialising in the town can do so safe in the knowledge that many of the venues have been awarded the nationally recognised Safer Socialising award and that the town overall has the Purple Flag status acknowledging the good management practices that are maintained by the venues, emergency services, Urban Blue and Street Pastors.”

If works run to plan, the bar will be unveiled to party-goers in April.