THE £60 million development of the Westwood Cross shopping centre in the heart of Thanet is a step closer. Chelverton Properties, developers of the project, have exchanged contracts to buy the disused Haine Hospital site at Westwood with the Secretary of State for Health.

A spokesman for the company said: “The acquisition of this strategic site is a significant piece in the regeneration jigsaw for Thanet and marks a considerable step forward for Chelverton in the delivery of its town centre proposals for Westwood Cross.

“Chelverton now controls the majority of the Westwood development site that was granted outline planning consent in the autumn for a 350,000 sq. ft town centre scheme.

“Chelverton is now seeking to promptly finalise the outstanding issues required in order to submit a detailed planning application later this year.”

Carlos Comninos of Chelverton properties said: “We have been working closely with the Department of Health to finalise the purchase of Haine Hospital. We are delighted to have successfully concluded the agreement.”