The abandoned Co-operative store will now be used as part of a regeneration programme.

The building at Stembrook, Dover, has been acquired by the district council for its town centre revamping and property investment plans.

It says that redeveloping the site will provide further connections between the present precinct, which is being renamed the Old Town, and the newly-opened £53m St James leisure and retail development.

The same is being hoped with the residential and retail development of the nearby Castle Street site that previously housed the Granada Cinema and then Images nightclub.

The council believes that reusing the Co-op also provides new chances in enhancing the riverside walk and connections through to Pencester Gardens and the bus terminus.

The supermarket, previously Somerfield, opened as a Co-op in July 2010 and ceased trading on February 11, 2017.

It has been left empty ever since.

Cllr Keith Morris, Leader of Dover District Council, said: “This is a great opportunity to build on the exciting regeneration that is now taking place in Dover.

" We will continue to look for opportunities to invest in property for redevelopment to support the town centre. We look forward to bringing forward detailed plans for the site.”

It is not yet know exactly what will be done with the building but town MP Charlie Elphicke, on Facebook, invited locals to give their views.

He told followers: " Keen to hear your ideas. How could we use it to help link the high street to St James'?"