A £21 million retirement village on the site of a derelict Christian holiday camp is close to completion.

Herne Bay Gardens, off Canterbury Road, will include 50 one- and two-bedroom bungalows for older residents, along with a new 67-bedroom care home run by Dunham Care.

The land was once home to the Herne Bay Court Christian Centre – which closed in 2008 and became a magnet for vandals and trespassers.

Redevelopment plans were approved in 2022 after years of uncertainty over its future.

Construction is now in its final stages, with the first residents expected to move in within weeks.

A Dunham Care spokesman said: “It has been incredible to see this development take shape over recent months and exciting times await as we venture closer to completion.

“With the first properties reserved and first homes built and ready to move into, we will also be welcoming our first residents to Herne Bay Gardens and helping them settle in.”

Each bungalow has a private outdoor space and access to communal gardens.

A grand opening is due to take place on Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25, where interested purchasers are invited to view the new houses.

The main mansion at the site is being converted into a care home, which will include a fine dining restaurant and hair salon and nail bar.

First known as Parsonage House, the site was built in 1896. It was later home to an engineering college before being occupied by a succession of military units during the Second World War.

Shortly after changing hands in 1948, the plot was turned into a religious conference and holiday centre.