Work on a multi-million-pound regeneration project will now restart “at pace” after a new building firm was appointed to complete the job.

Construction of The Charter in Gravesend town centre had originally stalled last year when the then-contractor Henry Construction went bust.

The flagship redevelopment forms part of Gravesham council's overhaul plan for the town and includes a new multi-storey car park as well as 242 apartments.

It is being developed by Rosherville Ltd – the wholly owned commercial trading arm of Gravesham council – in partnership with Reef Group.

Rumours surrounding the development’s future had been rife within the community as many said they had not seen workmen on site for some time - prompting the trading company to dismiss certain “outlandish theories”.

Now it’s been revealed Curo Construction has been appointed to complete the project with work to start immediately.

Jamie Izzard, Chairman of Rosherville Ltd, said: “Curo has an impressive track record in commercial new builds, including Power Road Studios in Chiswick, Shinfield Studios in Reading, Spitalfields Works, and Bethnal Green Mission Church in London, and has been carrying out initial enabling works on The Charter in recent weeks.

“With our original main contractor having ceased trading and the challenges being faced across the construction industry in general, getting to this point has not been straightforward, but we are now in a position where we have the right people in place to proceed with the build at pace.”

Jamie added that on completion The Charter will be wholly owned by Rosherville Ltd, whose sole shareholder is the council.

He said: “There are no financial or other interests in The Charter from any other local authority, London-based or otherwise, or any other commercial entity.

“As we get closer to completion, apartments will be marketed locally, giving Gravesham residents every opportunity to secure a home in the heart of Gravesend.

“The Charter will be managed on our behalf by Touchstone, one of the country’s leading property management companies.

“We are all looking forward to welcoming the first families to their new homes at The Charter.”

A spokesman for Curo Construction added: “We are pleased to have been selected to complete the works at this key project.

“We appreciate what a completed development means to the residents and local community and are proud to be part of the scheme.”

Peter Langly-Smith, development director at Reef Group, said: “We are really pleased with the appointment of Curo Construction to complete the build works at The Charter, following a challenging period after Henry Construction’s demise.

“We remain committed to delivering this exciting project in partnership with Rosherville and look forward to seeing people move into these new homes and enjoying Gravesend town centre.”