By Hayley Robinson

Plans to regenerate Sittingbourne town centre are just months away from becoming a reality.

Five bids were received from potential development partners in September, now a working group of members and officers at Swale council have whittled the interested parties down to three.

Intensive discussions about the proposals will take place over the next few weeks with a decision being made in December and an announcement in January as to who will work with the council on Sittingbourne’s town centre regeneration plans, which could potentially cost £1 billion.

Council leader Cllr Andrew Bowles (Con) (pictured) said they are all "very credible schemes".

He said: "All have the potential to bring tremendous benefits to Sittingbourne. I think whichever goes ahead will make Sittingbourne more attractive to big names.

"It could all start very, very quickly because some of them already own land in Sittingbourne.

"It’s up to them when they submit a planning application but as soon as that’s determined they could start the next day."

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 it expired in March the firm still wants to play a part.

Cllr Bowles said he was unable to give names of those on the shortlist.