Construction of a local authority-funded seafront regeneration project will begin 18 months behind schedule, it has been revealed.

When it unveiled its multi-million-pound plans to demolish the Tivoli arcade in Central Parade, Herne Bay, at the end of 2018, Canterbury City Council was aiming to begin work on the site the following summer.

But in December the authority conceded that goal had been “very optimistic” and that building was expected to begin this summer.

Following the outbreak of coronavirus, spokesman Rob Davies has confirmed workmen are now set to move onto the site in the new year.

He explained: “As we’ve said previously, this is a challenging scheme on a prime site requiring careful management.

“Yes, there have been delays, but up to now, these have not been caused by anything out of the ordinary, just the kind of issues that most developments face.

“Of course we’re now dealing with something extraordinary and we’re sure people will understand the reasons for the further delay.

“There are practical difficulties delivering construction projects at the moment, which is why, for example, on-site works at the Riverside scheme at Kingsmead in Canterbury are temporarily paused.”

The city council is currently advertising its £7 million building contract for the project online.

The notice states that construction will start on January 4 and end on December 30, 2022.

The local authority bought the former arcade two years ago for £1.1m with a view to developing it and the car parks to the rear in Beach Street.

Its proposals included flattening the eyesore and replacing it with studios, three shops and 33 homes, of which 10 will be social housing. The plans were given the green light by councillors last May.

The scheme was later slimmed down after Wetherspoon struck a deal with the council to purchase a portion of Beach Street car park originally earmarked for two houses.

Instead, the pub chain will use the 65 sq m plot in order to build a reception to its planned hotel above the Saxon Shore bar in Central Parade.

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