A £150,000 makeover outside Maidstone’s County Hall has finally been revealed.

County council chiefs, who commissioned the re-vamp, hope the re-design of Sessions Square will see it become “a jewel in Maidstone’s crown.”

Featuring contemporary outdoor seats, huge concrete planters, three distinctive granite “spheres” and a mobile café, KCC says the square has been transformed into a “cosmopolitan, café-style social area” that will help overcome its reputation as a “bleak and boring” spot.

At an official opening ceremony, county council leader Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart (Con) said he hoped the square would become popular with the public.

“The area has, for too long, been a lost jewel in Maidstone’s crown. The site is open, offers tremendous potential and is steeped in history and architecture. We hope the new square is going to attract many more people – both visitors and residents.”

KCC came under fire after skateboarders complained the revamp was aimed partly at making it more difficult for them to use the square. However, the redesign incorporates a space between Invicta House and Sessions House to allow it to continue.

Cabinet member for resources Cllr Kevin Lynes admitted that while KCC had wanted to tackle some “health and safety problems” caused by skateboarders the chief objective had been to “dramatically enhance” a part of Maidstone that was under-used.

Asked about the costs, he said: “I think we got extremely good value for money for everything we have got. The true value will come when we see the community using it.”

KCC plans to use the square to host temporary art exhibitions, musical performances and other events. Talks are already underway for a farmers market.

Town centre manager Bill Moss welcomed the redevelopment. “This builds on the redevelopment of the north end of town and is another piece in the jigsaw that will transform Maidstone into the county’s premier town.”