A contractor has been appointed to complete the construction work at the Sheerness Gateway Centre.

Kent firm Birkby Construction started the work on Tuesday to transform the former Woolworths store into a one-stop shop for public services.

It is hoped that work will be completed in 21 weeks - meaning the centre will not be open until mid-October.

The joint venture between Swale council and Kent County Council had been due to open in April but because the preferred company was not willing to absorb the cost implications of any risks of running over time and budget, they had to re-tender.

A spokesman said the team behind Sheerness Gateway has worked hard to agree the price of the contract and the timetable for the work, both of which represent good value.

KCC says the cost is £1.15m, not £1.3m as previously quoted.

When the centre opens, a wide range of services will be available across two floors including Kent Police, Job Centre Plus and Age Concern.

The Gateway will also include free internet and payment machines.