Getting lift-off for plans to upgrade and regenerate Rochester Airport is set to cost council taxpayers around £4.5million.

Medway Council wants to spend the cash on a new concrete runway and improved facilities, which would free up extra land to be sold or leased to businesses.

But the unnamed company close to being lined up to run the airport would not have to pay anything for the massive renovation of the airfield.

Under the proposed scheme, the council would pay £4million to build the runway and install both ground and aeronautical lighting, refurbish hangars, build a control tower and improve access and parking.

The paved runway would allow modern small aircraft to take off and climb to a higher altitude very quickly meaning fewer residents would be affected by noise.

A further £400,000 would go on demolishing some buildings some of which date back to the 1930s when the airport was built, new fencing and other expenses.

According to a report to the council's cabinet, the subsequent closure of one current grass runway could be used for redevelopment, the sale of which should more than recoup its initial outlay.

Deputy leader Cllr Alan Jarrett, who is in charge of finance, said: "This scheme is about sensibly regenerating one of Rochester's best assets by providing the resources necessary for job creation and securing a future for this much loved facility."

The lease for operating the airfield will be for 25 years, in a bid to encourage the private sector and operator to invest long term.

Rochester Airport Limited has run the airport for the past 12 years and the current lease expires in January 2014.

The master plan is being developed with BAE Systems, with both parties sharing the cost. BAE's lease runs out in 2079.

The council's vision for the site was unveiled at the end of last year with the promise that it could create up to 1,000 jobs.

The remit has always been to safeguard aviation activity for business, heritage and leisure use and at the same generate investment.

It is due to be discussed at tomorrow's cabinet meeting.