A council is set to spend up to £45 million pound on a shopping centre.

Medway Council cabinet members discussed the proposal to buy the head lease of the Pentagon Shopping Centre in Chatham behind closed doors on Tuesday.

The plans have now been made public ahead of next Thursday’s full council meeting.

Such a move would contribute to “the regeneration of Chatham” and “mitigates against the kinds of development in our ‘city centre’ that would not enhance it”, according to officers.

The document reads: “The council was approached by Chatahm LLP (head lessee) confidentially to discuss the potential acquisition of the head leases of the Pentagon and some additional freehold properties it had acquired on the High Street.

“Officers, in consultation with senior members, obtained independent specialist shopping centre professional advice and a valuation from Knight Frank on whether the opportunity represents a good commmercial investment.”

Medway Council already owns the freehold of the site.

Councillors will be asked to support the scheme at full council next week, with a “figure of up to £45 million” suggested to be added to the council’s capital programme.

"If you own something, you control it and then you can move forward..." Cllr Rodney Chambers

Much of the detail about the purchase remains unavailable for public scrutiny due to "commercially confidential" information.

Speaking last night (February 13), portfolio holder for inward investment, strategic regeneration and paternships Cllr Rodney Chambers (Con) said: “It will help our regeneration.

“We will have control, if the council agrees, of the Pentagon Shopping Centre, and this is a step forward.

“If you own something, you control it and then you can move forward without having to look over your shoulder at other parties.”

Click here to find out more about the man who left school with no qualifications and now manages the centre.