More restaurants are proposed to be added to Folkestone Harbour Arm as part of a major tourism boost for the district.

Plans have emerged to install a collection of shipping containers near the existing car park of the arm, offering diners views overlooking the English Channel.

Outside seating will also be available, with artist impressions of the scheme showing tables with umbrella surrounded by plants position in front of the containers.

The Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company (FHSDC) - which is behind the transformation of the Harbour Arm - said the new project, called Harbourside, is the most 'significant investment' at the site since it was first re-opened in 2015.

A statement on the project reads: "We are exceptionally excited to present Harbourside; a brand-new quayside dining environment that boasts unparalleled views across Kent’s Heritage Coast, named the fourth best region to visit in the world in 2022 by Lonely Planet, with glimpses of France on the horizon.

"Set inside a collection of shipping containers, these proposed new restaurants will come together to create a wholly unique destination, unlike anywhere else on the south east coast.

"This will be our most significant investment in Folkestone Harbour since we first reopened the site to the public."

A date for the opening of the new restaurants has not been revealed, nor has the vendors which will fill the containers.

The FHSDC, led by Saga's Sir Roger De Haan, poured millions into the renovation of the Harbour Arm, which also included making over the Harbour Station, Customs House, and the swing bridge and viaduct.

Now a popular tourist spot, it has food vendors, bars and entertainment positioned along its length.

This includes a mini golf course, vintage market and the Lighthouse Champagne Bar.

Throughout the summer, films and sporting events are also shown on the outdoor Harbour Screen, and a Christmas Market was put on over the festive season.

In 2020, The Goods Yard food and drink market launched, which saw traders move to a new, more sheltered outdoor space.

Beachside, an al fresco dining experience complete with palm trees, opened alongside the Harbour Arm last year, and includes Little Rock, a sister restaurant to award winning Folkestone restaurant Rocksalt, and the Pilot bar.

But the investment doesn't stop there - last month, plans emerged for a new 12-hole landscaped mini-golf course next to Beachside.

And the Harbour Coffee Company, which will neighbour Harbourside when it opens, are also planning to expand this summer by adding a new roof top café serving drinks and brunch and lunch menus.

The FHSDC is also behind plans for 1,000 new homes along Folkestone seafront.

Work has already started on the first phase of the project - dubbed Shoreline - being built opposite the Leas Lift, and images of how the second phase could look were revealed last summer.