CONSTRUCTION work on a new multi-million pound shopping complex that will transform the centre of Folkestone and create 500 jobs will start this summer.

Complex land agreements that have slowed the final planning phase of the project have been concluded by Kings Hill law firm Vertex Law, which handled the 11th hour transfer deals just minutes before valuable tax concessions were unexpectedly scrapped by the Chancellor on March 16.

Under the agreements Middelburg Square Car Park passes from council ownership to Bishopsgate, and Alexandra Gardens Car Park passes to the shopping centre developers Bride Hall.

Robert Dodgson of Vertex Law, who has spent five years as a legal advisor to Shepway Council on the scheme said: "After many false starts and years of complex negotiations everything is in place for work to begin on the development.

"Shepway council can be rightly proud of bringing the deal to completion.

"This success is the result of the foresight and determination of officers and councillors. The knock-on effect for Folkestone will be very positive.

"The town is bound to attract other investors as the focus of City financiers moves east along the M20 corridor to those areas in east Kent which are now perceived to offer good value for money and the ability to sustain high quality commercial developments."

Bride Hall is set to start building work this summer.

When complete, the new shopping complex, which has attracted high street names including Asda and Next, will create an expected 500 jobs in Folkestone’s town centre.