The opening of Sittingbourne's new multi-storey car park has been pushed back.

The 317-space block, off St Michael's Road, was initially expected to open to the public by April.

That date was revealed by the former leader of Swale council, Andrew Bowles, during a full council meeting at the beginning of the year.

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At the time, he said: "Cladding has started on the multi-storey car park, giving it a dramatic look in its oyster white shell, with colours reflecting through the openings from each floor.

"We anticipate this to be open to the public by April 2019."

However, the council now says it still does not have a firm date for the unveiling, but expects motorists to be able to use it "at some point in the summer".

The work is being carried out by German firm Huber and overseen by the authority.

WATCH: Time lapse shows Spirit of Sittingbourne regeneration taking shape

A Swale council spokesman said: "Work to the road leading to the entrance of the car park should be completed this month, and we are working with the contractor Huber to remedy a number of issues with the internal finish before we are satisfied it can be safely opened to the public."

Work on the car park began in May last year with asbestos-lined water mains being removed and, in September, the first part of the steel frame was installed.

The project is part of the multi-million pound Spirit of Sittingbourne town centre regeneration.

The town's new leisure complex is still progressing and will include an eight-screen Light Cinema, 63-bed Travelodge hotel and restaurants such as Nando's, Pizza Express and Creams.

Work on this part of the regeneration began at the end of November and construction is due to be completed by the end of the year, with units opening in early 2020.

Once complete, the Spirit of Sittingbourne project is expected to attract up to 400,000 visitors a year.

• For more details on the project visit www.spiritofsittingbourne.com

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