Three national retailers are at advanced stages towards opening branches in Sittingbourne as part of the town's multi-million pound regeneration, including one which could be a first for Kent.

Poised to sign on the dotted line are Costa, discount store Home Bargains and possibly a new arm of supermarket chain Iceland.

They are destined to fill new units due to be built on the former Princes Street depot off Eurolink Way.

The Costa would be a drive-through, while the other two would occupy larger units. Iceland is understood to be considering opening one of its new Food Warehouse stores.

The identity of the companies interested in coming to Sittingbourne were revealed this week in paperwork accompanying a planning application submitted to Swale council.

Spirit of Sittingbourne, the consortium behind the project, has put in revised plans for its "Big Box" site.

Originally, it had proposed four retail units on the plot off Eurolink Way but is understood to have found it difficult to attract funds for the project due to a lack of parking.

Its new proposals include 141 spaces, up from 109.

Only last week, Costa opened its first branch in Sittingbourne in The Forum shopping centre but said it was "evaluating further opportunities" in the area.

Iceland's Food Warehouse is relatively new, having been set up in 2014. It sells food in bulk and currently has 18 stores across the country but none in Kent.

Meanwhile, Home Bargains, which has a branch in Maidstone, is said to be one of the UK's fastest growing discount retailers and sells everything from stationery and toys to frozen food and toiletries.