Construction of the the major town centre mixed-use regeneration scheme in Kent is expected to start this summer.

Phase one of the Spirit of Sittingbourne will bring forward the development of six sites across the town centre to include a 7-screen cinema, 29,000 sq ft of restaurant space and 34,000 sq ft of big box retail.

The scheme will be developed in public private partnership with a consortium consisting of Swale Borough Council, Essential Land and Quinn Estates.

Richard Upton, Executive Director, Development Securities said: “Spirit of Sittingbourne is an excellent example of our work in mixed-use regeneration in collaboration with local authorities and with this consent to hand we are a step closer to our ambition to be the public sector’s partner of choice for regeneration.

“We are delighted to have secured planning consent for this significant development which will create a catalyst for growth in the town and we look forward to now delivering the project in partnership with the consortium.”