Work on a huge coastal tower block of 91 luxury flats is set to resume in the coming weeks –after months of inactivity on the site.

Bosses at the Leas Pavilion development in Folkestone have admitted work was moving “at a slower pace”.

Construction paused on the former town centre landmark while a new sprinkler tank was recently installed in the basement of the building.

Meanwhile, several residents have become concerned over the future of the site having seen little work take place this winter.

Yet at a Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC) meeting Cllr Polly Blakemore confirmed building on the concrete blocks is set to resume in April.

“We understand that works have progressed on site with the construction of the below-ground sprinkler tanks which is now around 60% complete,” she said.

“We have been informed that the developer is in the process of changing funders due to their existing funders modifying their terms and demands in response to the shifting economic climate.

“However they are confident that this re-negotiation of funds will conclude by the end of March, which will enable works to continue on site in April.”

In the meeting last month, Cllr Blakemore shared concerns over the lack of activity along The Leas.

She added: “I am encouraged to hear that the developer has extended his thanks to the council for its continued support and has confirmed that they are looking forward to completing the development.”

Eventually, the site will be home to plush sea-view apartments looming over The Leas – ranging in price from £325,000 for the smallest one-bedroom flats to £3 million for the significantly larger penthouses.

Groundworks and the erection of two towering stair cores have been completed for the project on the cliff-top promenade.

The long-anticipated development has been sold as the best hope for preserving the Grade II-listed building, which was originally built in 1902 as an Edwardian tea room and was later home to the popular Leas Club nightspot.

Campaign group, Friends of the Leas Pavilion says they are “looking forward” to work starting again soon.

A spokesperson said: “The comment from Cllr Blakemore at the last full Council meeting is also what we understood to be the case from the Developers, and I agree with him that they have always been very open and honest regarding the project, and have been very respectful and thankful to FHDC for their continued support as well as to us - the Committee of the Friends of the Leas Pavilion.

“We very much look forward to seeing work starting again as soon as possible, but are confident that it will do so.”

Items of equipment were removed from the site in October, which overlooks the English Channel, as they are no longer required following the completion of the groundworks.

Over the decades, the Leas Pavilion was also home to repertory theatre, with its last ever performance taking place in August 1985.

It then became the Leas Club, a bar with pool and snooker tables, and even a small ten-pin bowling alley.

The developer for the site, Gustavia, refused to comment when approached by KentOnline.