A fire station which has stood empty for more than 35 years is set to be given a new lease of life.

The iconic building in Tonbridge has been gathering dust since its closure but new owner, Richard Collins, has unveiled a plan for a number of pop up shops and restaurants to be opened.

Former MasterChef contestant, Adam Handling, announced he will be hosting two pop-up restaurants in the Castle Street venue.

Adam, who was dubbed "favourite to win" in the 2013 series, has recently been awarded British Culinary Federation Chef of the Year 2014.

The Scotsman met with building owner, Richard Collins, in early August to seal the exciting deal.

Fuggles Beer Cafe also announced it will be coming to the site.

The company, with a much-loved drinking spot in Tunbridge Wells, is due to open a pop-up bar in September.

Hardman and Hemming, a high-end tailoring business will also set up shop in the Castle Street venue.

The business, with fitting rooms in London’s Savile Row and Tunbridge Wells, will fit out a section of the Tonbridge venue with mannequins and a variety of fabrics.

The Whiting and Hammond Group, which owns popular Chiddingstone pub, The Little Brown Jug, also confirmed it will be moving into the currently vacant venue.

It is hoped more businesses will become involved in the transformation of the building. Mr Collins said there could also be plans for office space on the top floor.

The successful businessman who founded and runs Medischeme insurance brokers, purchased the building after he made a promise to himself to do so many years ago.

The 42-year-old beat more than 40 bidders and is devoting most of his time to renovating the site.

He said: "It's quite exciting. I bought the place a year ago and I was going to place my offices in there. I then spoke to a couple of friends about it and realised how fantastic the building is.

"Everyone loves it in Tonbridge. My offices are still going in on the top floor, but we are looking for a range of different things for downstairs. It's basically a big community space.

"Since we have started putting stuff online about the development, everyone has been coming to say what they would like to do.

"I want to do something for everyone, I don't want just restaurants and pubs. I want to get the whole community involved.

"The building was built in 1901, it's been community owned for a long time I am just the guardian of it. This isn't about making a profit, yes great if we do, but it's about people enjoying themselves.

"I'm toying with the idea of holding a Santa's Grotto at Christmas for the kids. It's such a diverse building we could do anything."

It comes in the same month redevelopment of Tonbridge High Street is set to begin.

More than £2 million is being spent on the town centre, widening pavements and re-structuring junctions.

Residents in Tonbridge could see a number of town sites being development in the coming months.

The former Homebase site in Cannon Lane could be transformed into an Aldi supermarket and Sports Direct, although this has not been confirmed by either chain.