PRESTIGE offices that have stood empty for a year have found their first tenant.

The Royal Bank of Scotland is taking a floor in one of the two County Gate buildings on Royal Engineers Way, Maidstone.

The bank is moving 40 commercial staff from its existing High Street offices into the new building.

They will be joined by a further 20 people working for its Lombard asset finance subsidiary at the 20/20 estate in Allington.

The bank has taken a 15-year lease at £21 per sq ft and said having both groups together would create a strong corporate identity.

Graeme Jones, commercial banking director for Maidstone and Medway, said the move would benefit customers. "We will be able to work more closely together to come up with solutions," he said.

"We think it's an excellent building in terms of a modern office environment and built to a high standard. We can configure the layout to our own requirements. It's a very good site, a good location in the town and it's an important development for Maidstone."

Robert Martine, of Clokes chartered surveyors, handled the letting jointly with Matthews and Goodman, based in London.

He said: "The progress of the lettings has been slower than we would have liked but we have had a significant number of people looking over the buildings. Everyone is impressed with the quality of the location and local amenities."

He hoped the bank's decision would trigger further developments.

"It's always nice to do the first deal and break the duck. We are having detailed discussions with some other occupiers and I'm hopeful that now we've got the first letting in the bag that others will follow."

The bank plans to complete the move in June and celebrate with an office-warming party for customers.

When fully let, the two County Gate buildings will accommodate up to 450 people.