New escape rooms are now open at a multimillion-pound leisure complex, which has previously been described as a “ghost town”.

Escape Hunt offers customers four different rooms to experience and has opened at The Riverside development in Canterbury.

It is operated by the owners of nearby Boom Battle Bar, one of several other businesses at the complex.

Escape Hunt has filled the gap left by Riverside Social – which shut abruptly early last year.

Bosses say “there’s an adventure for everyone”, with rooms designed on themes including vampires and Aladdin.

There are also outdoor experiences, including helping the White Rabbit in Return to Wonderland or saving the world in Time Cops.

CEO Richard Harpham said: “We are absolutely thrilled to bring the magic of our immersive adventures to Canterbury.

“The venue houses four of our five-star escape rooms and is the perfect activity for friends, family, parties or work events.

“We can’t wait to welcome guests through our doors for their next adventure.”

The Riverside opened three years ago and is home to several businesses, including the Curzon cinema, Korean Cowgirl restaurant and Fireaway takeaway.

However, last month, Indian restaurant Sekkoya left the complex – which is owned by Canterbury City Council – and moved to the city centre.

One of the owners, Kirtan Patel, told KentOnline they had been “sold a dream” and spent more than £1 million fitting out the unit at The Riverside.

But he says there is “no footfall” there and the lack of trade has sparked their move to the former home of Gourmet Burger Kitchen, in St Peter’s Street.

However, city council bosses point to other venues at Riverside - such as the Boom Battle Bar - as being a “massive success”.

It is hoped the complex, home to 12 units and a car park underneath, will finally be leased out within months for the first time in its history.

Bosses recently welcomed Community Health and Eyecare (CHEC) in the unit neighbouring the Curzon cinema.

Heavenly Desserts, which suffered from a fire last year, is understood to still be in negotiations with insurers but it is hoped a refit will take place within months.

Discussions with Black Sheep Coffee, which is paying rent on a site but is yet to fit it out, continue as The Riverside officials hope to transform the site into a leading tourist destination.