by Hayley Robinson

It's been a long time coming but the Coniston Hotel will finally open its doors to the public on October 8.

The news has been welcomed by Chalkwell ward councillor Roger Truelove.

He said: "This is splendid news. I know many people in that part of the town will be absolutely delighted because they continually ask me when something is going to happen."

The 80-bedroom hotel and restaurant will operate as a Best Western Plus with Chardon Management Ltd running it in on behalf of West Register which owns the building.

The hotel was set to re-open in June 2010, after a £12 million refit.

But the bank withdrew funding just weeks before it was due to welcome guests and visitors.

About 60 people lost their jobs.

The matter is still the subject of a High Court battle between former owners, Ernie Berntsen and Chris Richardson, and NatWest, which is part of the Royal Bank of Scotland, and the former administrators BDO.

Cllr Truelove added: "I hope they get a fair outcome.

"Sittingbourne needs a hotel. For families visiting for weddings and so on it’s a real struggle [to find somewhere to stay]. I also think it will be good for business and getting people to invest in the area.

"It will be an enormous community facility – we need places for people to hold community meetings or business meetings. The bar will also enhance people’s choice in where they want to go."

With a busy festive party schedule and tribute nights and local events planned for 2013 it’s hoped the hotel will be the heart of the community once more.

Paul Noble, general manager, said: "Opening the Coniston is an exciting project for us. With the hotel once being an integral part of the town, the challenge for us is to ensure it regains its prominent position within the community.

"We have festive party nights planned for this year which will enable the hotel to be part of the neighbourhood once again.

"And the creation of the Coniston Kitchen will provide a dining experience unique to the area, bringing a touch of the Mediterranean to Sittingbourne."