Deal's grim and derelict Quarterdeck has been sold and work is due to start in the new year on the £2.5million development of the prime seafront site.
Contracts have just been completed between the district council and new owner Canterbury based Rogate, described on its website as a niche developer of residential homes and commercial property.
Now its plans can go ahead for 14 flats in a three and four-storey building, with a restaurant/cafe on the ground floor and a new public square at the back of the site.
John Showler, a director at the company, said: “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts and looking forward to starting building work on what is going to be a very prestigious project.
“Hoardings will be going up soon and there will be information telling people what is going onto the site. We are looking to move ahead with building sometime in the new year.”

* To find out more about the development see the East Kent Mercury, September 27 edition.