By Hayley Robinson

Five developers and landowners have submitted proposals to work with Swale council on Sittingbourne's town centre regeneration plans, which could potentially cost £1 billion.

The council advertised for a new development partner in July with interested partners having until Friday, September 10 last week to submit their initial proposals.

As well as outlining what their ideas are and how they would work they had to demonstrate a track record of successful development schemes elsewhere. They also had to show that their ideas would be commercially viable.

Pete Raine (pictured), Swale council's director of regeneration, can't reveal the names of those who have expressed an interest but says he is pleased with the responses.

He said: "It's quite a big piece of work as far as landowners and developers are concerned - it's a major commitment.

"A working group of members and officers will short list them down to two or three next week we will then give them two months to provide a more detailed proposal which will then go before a panel of members. The ideas put forward are basically along the lines of the published master plan where we are looking to stem the flow of retail spend in places such as Canterbury and Maidstone."

The authority is aiming to revamp central Sittingbourne - improving transport links and housing, shopping and leisure facilities.

Tesco had entered into an agreement with the council to be chosen development partner. Although this expired in March the company has said it is still keen to play a part.