Work has finally begun to replace a former leisure centre which went up in flames five years ago.

Planning permission was granted in 2020 to transform the former Fleet Leisure and Sports Club in Northfleet into a new sporting facility.

Bulldozer on the site of the former Fleet Leisure centre in Northfleet

The site, formerly known as Bowaters, will be run by EUFC Elite Limited.

It will boast multiple mixed sized football pitches, including 3G artificial playing surfaces, a new clubhouse, children's play area, and associated parking.

The grounds in Nelson Road have been vacant since its 2013 closure, with ambitious plans for its restoration repeatedly falling through and the council having to quash rumours it was being replaced by housing.

But after waiting two years since permission was granted by Gravesham council, construction work is finally under way with bulldozers spotted working on the former football pitches.

Councillor Shane Mochrie-Cox, cabinet member for community and leisure, said: "It looks fantastic. It has been a long time coming.

"The pandemic did push [construction] back but we have been working with the developers.

"I am glad that work has started. This is a promise we have finally been able to deliver and turn it back into a facility as it once was."

The 11-acre site was a sports facility and clubhouse for 81 years and often hosted Sunday night variety shows and annual bonfire and firework nights as well as offering somewhere to practice football, cricket, hockey, bowls, table tennis, judo, and badminton.