A huge crane at the site of a much-delayed seafront development has been taken down - but bosses stress work will restart early next year.

Construction of the controversial Leas Pavilion scheme in Folkestone - which will see 91 flats created above the former tearoom and theatre - has been on hold for months, despite developers stating in April how rumours it will not be completed were “completely untrue”.

Concerns mounted again this week as residents saw the yellow crane being removed from the site.

But after being approached by KentOnline, Belgian developer Mylecke NV - which recently took over the build - confirmed it “has the intention to complete the project”.

A spokesman said: “The crane is really more a symbolic rather than a rational issue.

“We had proposed to the crane company to rent it directly to us and they made an offer, which we accepted.

“However, they withdrew the offer for legal issues and proposed to dismantle and then immediately replace it.

“After doing the maths, it appeared more economical to let it dismantle, at the expense of the renting company, and have it replaced when we resume the construction works.

“So, we took a rational and economic decision but we understand that some people were surprised.

“We definitely have the intention to complete the project.”

The developers confirmed they expect work to resume on the site in January or February.

Earlier this month, yet more rumours began circulating in the town after materials were removed from the site, which is situated along The Leas and dates back to 1902.

But despite the speculation, the Friends of the Leas Pavilion campaign group - which has long fought for the venue’s restoration - said it was “reassured” after members spoke to the team at Mylecke NV.

It came after bosses at Gustavia - which had led the project since 2019 - announced last month they were stepping down from leading the scheme, sparking more doubt over its future.

Since the demolition of the pavilion in 2022, only groundworks and the erection of two towering stair cores have been completed.

Plans for the regeneration of the site, which also once housed a nightclub and a bowling alley, were approved in 2020 and, if all goes ahead, will eventually see 91 flats built in a new nine-storey building wrapping around the sunken pavilion.

The historic frontage is set to be restored later as part of the overall build.