Despite the change of plan over the Friday market relocation, work could be due to start soon on the £57 million town centre regeneration of Sittingbourne.

New hoardings were put up at the end of last month around the site of the old Princes Street waste depot stating 790 new jobs would be coming to the town.

The project involves plans for an eight-screen cinema, restaurants including Wildwood and Pizza Express and a Travelodge hotel.

It is the first major sign of work beginning, with large yellow capital letters showcasing the “three big retailers coming to town”.

The area off Eurolink Way will see Home Bargains, Iceland’s Food Warehouse and a drive-through Costa Coffee open up shop.

A Swale council spokesman said: “Demolition began in February, with the building being taken down before the site was cleared in preparation for construction which is expected to begin in a month’s time.

“Timings for further work for the regeneration scheme are currently being finalised as the Spirit of Sittingbourne consortium work with utilities companies, Kent Highways and local landowners to manage the different elements of the scheme.”

There are some initial utility works expected to begin next week, but details have not yet been released.

“This needs to be carefully planned to balance the need to get the sequencing right to minimise any disruption to the local road network, and making sure preparations for the construction phase are carried out,” he added.

“Once confirmed, these plans will be shared publicly to make sure people know what is happening, when, and how long it is expected to take.”