Herne Bay’s market is set to move amid growing speculation a major development will happen at its current site.

The Saturday bazaar will leave its base in the Kings Road car park and pitch up at the pedestrianised areas of Mortimer Street, William Street and Bank Street.

Council bosses hope to make a permanent move between January and mid-March.

They say despite Morrisons pulling out of expanding in the town centre earlier this year, negotiations are in progress with other potential operators.

“Heard it all before? Yes but this time it’s happening..." - local economy manager Caroline Hicks

In a presentation to businesses, local economy manager Caroline Hicks said: “The reality is that the site will be developed at some point and so the market will move.”

She added: “Heard it all before? Yes but this time it’s happening.”

A consultation on the effects of moving the market has now opened with Herne Bay firms and traders.

In a letter to businesses, Ms Hicks said: “Over the past few years there have been many discussions about Herne Bay town centre, the Central Development Area and the market.

“Canterbury City Council’s local economy team is now progressing plans to move Herne Bay market permanently from its current home in King Street Car Park to an on-street position in William Street, Mortimer Street and Bank Street.

“There will clearly be those who support this idea and those who have some concerns, and so before applying for planning permission we would like to invite all local businesses to share their thoughts with us.”

At first glance, the move has been welcomed in the town.

Herne Bay Independent Retail Group leader Nigel Hancock said: “This is a great move for business in the town as it will undoubtedly increase footfall and will attract visitors which would not otherwise bother shopping in the town centre.

“In talking to Caroline at length, I am confident that the move will be handled in a sympathetic way so as not to risk business for the existing retailers but having said that, I know there will be concerns and so the consultation process is open.

“I think this is a great move which is going to happen sooner rather than later and which will give a vibrancy to the town rather like that which was created at the recent Showcase event.

"That has to be good news for the longer-term prosperity and sustainability of our shopping areas.

“Furthermore, I believe there will be a marketing budget set-aside for promoting the new market and Herne Bay to a wider audience. Again, another really positive outcome.”