The opening of a brand new leisure complex which is being constructed near a town centre has been delayed.

Construction workers have been busily working to transform a group of derelict buildings in Dover Place, Ashford over the past seven months - as part of Ashford Borough Council's £850,000 Coachworks development.

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All three zones - including the Event Yard, Platform and Hot House - were set to open to visitors on Halloween.

But the official launch is now expected to take place between Friday, November 22 and Sunday, November 24 as work to create a food and drink destination in the former Ashford Youth Theatre building is still not complete.

Attention has now turned to the building's interior, as the roof to the former theatre building has been dismantled and replaced with translucent cladding.

Designed by Carl Turner Architects, it is set to feature an eye-catching mezzanine level and transform into a lantern at night.

Council bosses had previously said the development will only have a five-year lifespan as the land is due to become the second phase of the Commercial Quarter in later years, but the time period could be extended if the scheme is a success.

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The Event Yard - an outdoor entertainment area used for vintage clothes sales, food markets and acoustic music events - was the first attraction to open back in August.

Last week, freelancers, entrepreneurs and small businesses moved into newly-built office space in The Platform building.

The business hub offers flexible, co-working space, offices and meeting rooms for up to 200 people - which bosses say is the first of its kind in Ashford.

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