The first section set to open as part of Sittingbourne's £57 million regeneration has been given a name following a public vote.

The shopping area on the site of the former Biffa depot off Eurolink Way will officially be known as Princes Street Retail Park.

The name was revealed at a Swale council meeting on Wednesday by leader, Cllr Andrew Bowles.

It follows an online poll where the public could vote on their favourite from a shortlist of three.

Cllr Bowles (Con) said: "I'm pleased to announce the clear winner of our public poll to name the new big box retail site as Princes Street Retail Park.

"It's pleasing to see that local people chose a name that connects the history of the town to the bright future ahead.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what ideas people come up with for the new public square and leisure quarter when we ask them to help pick a name next year."

"It's pleasing to see that local people chose a name that connects the history of the town to the bright future ahead" - Andrew Bowles

Princes Street Retail Park was inspired by the street that used to run through the site.

The other contenders were, Donald Dean Place, named after war hero and Victoria Cross recipient, Col Donald Dean, and Spring Retail Park, based around the fact there is a small stream, or bourne, running underground in Sittingbourne.

A straw poll by KentOnline also had Princes Street Retail Park as the favourite choice of its readers.

Costa Coffee, Home Bargains and Food Warehouse from Iceland are expected to go into the retail park by the end of March and open their doors in April.

A similar method for picking a name is being planned for the leisure quarter, where construction of an eight-screen cinema and six new restaurants will be built on The Forum car park is expected to start in May.