A new leisure facility, art gallery, museum, market hall and hotel are being considered as plans are drawn up to rejuvenate a town centre.

Sevenoaks council has approved a budget of £435,000 to regenerate land to the east of the town’s high street.

The green light now means Kent County Council (KCC) and Sevenoaks council are now putting forward ideas for the land and property they own in the area.

They have carried out a number of feasibility studies to support the project.

Early ideas include a new energy-efficient leisure facility, a combined library, art gallery, museum and adult education centre, improved pedestrian links to Knole Park, a vibrant market hall and a hotel.

Some studies have already been done, with one finding a limited number of hotels in the area, particularly high-end hotels.

In addition, the former M&Co building is being considered as a cultural and creative hall with artisanal food and local produce.

As part of the council’s ideas, there are also proposals for new homes, including affordable homes to fun the leisure improvements and make the project self-financing.

The funding was agreed at a council meeting on July 25.

Cllr Michael Horwood (Con), Sevenoaks District Council’s cabinet member for innovation and improvement, said: “We’re extremely excited about this project.

“It will support our local economy and bring new jobs and visitors to the town by offering a better range of activities, improvements to the cultural offer and a new, quality hotel.

“Sevenoaks is not only one of the county's most desirable places to live, but has been ranked by a recent independent study as one of the best-performing high streets anywhere in the country.

“We believe this project will keep the town at the forefront, increasing its vitality and protecting its unique character.”