Demolition workers have just moved onto the old Quarterdeck site to start clearing the land opposite Deal Pier for a start on the development in the new year.

The boarded up former district council property is owned by the Canterbury-based company Rogate, which has plans to create 14 flats in a three and four-storey block, with a restaurant/cafe on the ground floor.

Rogate director John Showler said: “The development will be well worth the wait. We anticipate a start in the new year and it will take about a year in the build.

“Seven properties in the building have already been reserved, which is encouraging.” The original Quarterdeck was built as an entertainment centre in 1973 by Deal Borough Council.

It was passed on to the district council after local government was reorganised and its final use was as a nightclub, which closed in 2007.

Deal Mayor Cllr Marlene Burnham has welcomed the progress at the site in Beach Street, which backs onto the Middle Street car park.

She said: “This is tremendous news for the town as the old Quarterdeck was an eyesore. It did not suit the town or the seafront.

“The new development is going to be a great improvement and I am not surprised some flats have already been reserved. They definitely will have a room with a view.”

See www.rogate.co.uk for more details and the East Kent Mercury, November 7, for photos of the demolition.