NEW offices, billed as the finest in Maidstone, have failed to attract any tenants after more than two months.

County Gate, on the roundabout on Royal Engineers Way, close to the M20, the East Station and with good car parking, is prompting concerns about the town's ability to attract new businesses.

Maidstone Borough Council's cabinet member for economic development and tourism, Cllr Dan Daley (Lib Dem) said: "It worries me that it is obviously empty. It may be that someone has pitched it too high, I don't know. The rent is seen as fairly high."

The ultra-modern offices, rent £21.50 per sq ft, were expected to be snapped up by a large corporation early in the summer. Letting agents Matthews and Goodman claim there has been substantial interest, but the economic downturn, especially since September 11, has left all agents struggling to rent properties.

Hannah Wareham, of the London-based firm, said: "It's more due to the wider economics of the situation rather than Maidstone as a location.

"We're still very confident. It's a good scheme, a good location and it will go. It's just that in the current climate it's taking a bit longer than we hoped."

Miss Wareham said Maidstone was an attractive location offering good quality space. She denied claims that the rent was too high, claiming it was in line with rents at offices in business parks such as Kings Hill.

She said: "We haven't had any negative comments from any possible occupiers we've shown round. Our clients are prepared to hold out for a good deal with the right occupier. We're not going to slash our rents at this stage."

Cllr Daley said: "With the other developments that are taking place on the bank of the river that will all become part of the same package and will bring all sorts of new industry into the area."