Muse has been selected to deliver a new £75 million regeneration project in Dartford.

The company, which was announced as the preferred bidder last year, has signed an agreement with Dartford Borough Council to take forward the scheme in the town's Westgate area.

Work is now underway on drawing up detailed plans for the project. Designed by architect and urban designer tp bennett, features will include new public realm with 37,250 square feet designated for restaurant and bar space, as well as a 109-bed hotel, a multi-storey car park, a six-screen cinema and up to 140 new homes.

The new housing will be spread among four new buildings, with a range of tenures offered including 'affordable' units.

Discussions are also continuing with the local Clinical Commissioning Group to potentially create a new health facility, providing space for GPs, family healthcare, social care providers and mental-health services.

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Public consultation events are due to be held in the summer in preparation for submitting planning applications later in the year.

Council Leader Jeremy Kite said: "Dartford is one of the fastest growing towns in England. The town’s strategic position on the edge of London and the heart of the South East has been energised in the last decade by huge investment in national infrastructure, growth funding and massive capital commitments from private developers.

"Muse Developments has a track record of delivering projects that harness arts, hospitality and leisure as major regenerative forces. We are very excited to be working with creative, energetic and successful partners to deliver great things for the people of Dartford."

John Robinson, development director at Muse, said: "Dartford is a forward-thinking Council that wants to bring real change to the town centre. It has been a pleasure working with them and Homes England over the last six months and we are delighted to have reached this key milestone.

"The site is very well-connected, being close to both the high street and train station, making it the ideal location for a lively and vibrant new community and cultural quarter. We now look forward to working with the wider community in developing our plans and delivering this exciting project."

(LM/MH)