A new complex in Whitstable harbour had a "soft launch" today as the majority of businesses opened for the first time.

The South Quay Shed is home to shops, eateries and cultural activities in 15 self-contained units – as well as a bar run by the city council.

The previously run-down shed, which was used for storage, is now a modern complex laid out over two floors, with a capacity for 360 people and more than 100 seats.

Engineers have retained the old concrete frame, installed solar panels and used recycled groyne timber from Herne Bay sea defences to maintain a “Whitstable feel”.

And the majority of the businesses opened their doors at the site today.

Among them are Dunk Cookies, Rad Burger, Sooshi Sushi and Pork & Co.

City council spokesman Rob Davies said: "It may be a little soggy outside, but there's plenty of excitement and happy customers inside, as the new South Quay Shed at Whitstable Harbour opens its doors for the first time.

"It's a 'soft' launch for the town's newest venue today. This means we have moved into the 'snagging' phase, where we and our tenants are establishing processes and sorting out any practical issues with fixtures and fittings.

"Due to various challenges with contractors and suppliers, not all the units are ready. Those that are not open will continue their preparations separately.

"However, there is a lovely atmosphere building already and lots of people have been coming in to see what's on offer and grab something to eat and drink.

"The South Quay Shed is open from 9am to 8pm (with the Unit 6 bar opening from 11am), seven days a week. And, yes, we're dog friendly."

Competition for the site has been fierce, with more than 100 companies expressing an interest, and more than 40 putting in firm offers to snap up one of the units.

The businesses which have opened today are The Picnic Box, Knotstuff Crafts, HatHats, Wit of Whitstable, Dunk Cookies Ltd, Art Shed Whitstable, Sooshi Sushi Ltd, Pork & Co, Rewear and Rad Burger.

The Unit 6 bar will be run directly by the council, as well as providing an on-site management facility.

The cash generated by the council will be used for future maintenance and the income of the harbour.

Those yet to open include The Whitstable Distillery Company Limited, The Fish Course, Lost Sheep Coffee Limited, Lavender & Blackberry Limited and Charlie Chan’s Asian Street Food.

More than £700,000 was spent on the project, funded from the Whitstable Harbour account. It will provide an annual rental yield of 20%, meaning the project will be paid for in five years.

The internal large courtyard with a mezzanine deck is themed on maritime operations and the food and retail outlets are situated on both the ground and first floors.

In selecting the new tenants, the council required bidders to be local businesses or sole traders, to offer local employment proposals, to have no single-use plastics and to demonstrate sustainable business practices.

There will also be toilet facilities offering three women’s and three men’s stalls, and an accessible toilet.

Work on the redevelopment was delayed due to the pandemic, but the project continued despite fears major schemes planned for Whitstable could be put on hold.