Two major multi-national companies are set to move into Sittingbourne town centre.

It was revealed this week that coffee giants Starbucks and Costa will set up shop in the High Street and Forum respectively.

The news comes ahead of further announcements on the £46 million regeneration which will see a seven-screen cinema built.

There will also be eateries and retail units in front of the train station on the Forum’s car park.

An announcement on the cinema provider is hoped to be made before Christmas once legal agreements have been signed.

Starbucks has confirmed it intends to open on December 20 and it has started recruiting for 10 jobs.

It is due to move into 92 High Street, which was the former Evans store.

A Starbucks spokesman said: "We’re delighted to be opening our new store on Sittingbourne High Street on December 20.

"The store is located in the heart of the high street and will create a haven for Christmas shoppers.

"The store will create 10 jobs for the local community.”

Costa will fill the unit operated until 2013 by Blockbuster and will create between 10 and 12 jobs, if it receives planning permission.

The news has received a mixed response.

Sittingbourne Retailers’ Association chairman Nick Smith is positive.

He said: “I think if anybody can fill empty premises on the high street, the association will welcome that.

“For the regeneration it might make other larger retailers look at coming into the town.”

However, Labour leader Cllr Roger Truelove said: “I suppose it will be welcomed by some but I am concerned for the several small businesses in the same market which have been started by local people in premises that don't have to look like anyplace any town.”

Sally Reeves, who owns Bailey’s coffee shop at 22 High Street, said: “I don’t think it will have a lot of impact on our business if I’m honest.

"I’m sure some will go there to see what it’s like but personally I think we’re the best coffee shop in Sittingbourne and the likes of Starbucks only appeals to a particular group of people with their fancy frappes.”

The 54-year-old was positive about what the move meant for the town.

She added: “My understanding is that Starbucks goes to places they consider on the up, so it must think the town is thriving if they’re coming here.”

It is predicted that once complete, the town centre regeneration will see the number of visitors increase by 400,000 a year.

In further development news, it was also announced this week that the fifth phase of the Eurolink estate has taken a massive step forward.

A total of £1 million has been pledged for infrastructure on the 28-acre site.