Exciting plans for a cinema, shops, hotel and homes have been revealed as part of a major town centre regeneration project.

Developers behind the ambitious Westgate Dartford masterplan have today submitted a planning application to the borough council.

The project includes 120 homes and a host of leisure facilities including bars, restaurants and revamping the former Co-Operative building into an 85-bed hotel.

Muse Developments – which is working together with Dartford Borough Council and Homes England – has released the details and is set to host a series of online consultations as the scheme progresses through the planning process.

The largely vacant site between Spital Street, Orchard Street and Hythe Street will be transformed into a new cultural quarter in the middle of the town.

Developers say a proportion of the 120 homes will be affordable housing.

There will also be a new multi-storey car park, public open space and space for health and wellbeing services throughout the development.

James Stockdale, development director at Muse Developments, said: “We understand there are more important issues across the country at present, with regards to coronavirus.

"However, as a responsible business, we want to make sure the community has every opportunity for their views on the proposals to be heard.

"Given the current situation, we will be organising online sessions for local residents, so they can be kept up to date with the Westgate project, while making sure the public and our team are safe and well.”

Discussions are currently ongoing with potential retailers, restaurants and operators of the hotel and cinema components.

During consultations into the plans attended by more than 1,000 people, hundreds of comments were submitted with 69% of respondents supporting the redevelopment.

The full plans are available to view at Dartford Borough Council's planning portal by searching application number 20/00409/FUL.

For more information about the project visit www.westgatedartford.com and for further details about the webinars contact info@westgatedartford.com

Head to our politics page for expert analysis and all the latest news from your politicians and councils.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford