A staggering £50m investment is proposed for Betteshanger Country Park with the creation of a wave garden and spa hotel.

It is hoped the developments will create a tourism boost for the district, as well as creating hundreds of jobs.

Plans for both developments will go on display next week, with residents invited to have their say on the ambitious projects.

Stuart O'Leary, head of Betteshanger, said: "Our upcoming exhibition is focussed on a bold plan for a Wave Garden and Hotel and Spa, which will provide a significant tourism boost and drive investment in the area and really put a marker down that says the Dover district is innovative and the place to be.

"This is a fully funded £50m investment in the area that will deliver hundreds of jobs and a massive boost in secondary spend benefiting the wider area."

The proposal for the surfing experience water park and five star hotel were first revealed last year for the former colliery.

The planned wave garden would be very similar to The Wave in Bristol, which is described as "an inland surf destination that allows people to surf on consistent safe waves all year round without going to the sea".

The site in Bristol includes a 180m surfing lagoon that can generate up to 1,000 waves per hour, ranging from 50cm (1.7ft) to almost 2m (6.5ft) in height.

It is suitable for everyone from the beginner to the seasoned professional.

Details for both developments will be on display at The Glass Room at the country park near Deal on Tuesday (July 19) from 5pm to 7pm.

A spokesman for Betteshanger Country Park said of the event: "We have organised a public exhibition to give local residents and stakeholders the opportunity to view plans and to speak to members of the project team.

"The aim is to understand the views and ideas of the local community so that the development proposals can evolve to take account of the feedback."

Betteshanger Country Park includes 230 acres of land and is situated on the former Betteshanger Colliery, which was the largest coal mine in Kent and closed in 1989.

It includes walking, running and cycling paths, picnic spots and space for other activities, such as archery, fossil hunting and orienteering.

A new mining museum and visitor centre have also recently opened, as well as a new cafe.

Mr O'Leary added: "Anyone visiting Betteshanger Country Park over the last year has seen really exciting changes.

"The Kent Mining Museum is now open alongside The Lamp Room Kitchen + Bar, a new play park and events space called The Glass Room.

"We are hugely ambitious going forward and working on a range of fantastic projects."