Discount store bid at former Halfords in Herne Bay given go-ahead
12:00, 20 January 2020
Plans for a discount store at a former Halfords site have been given the green light.
Up to 50 new jobs are set to be created when the new shop opens. But mystery still surrounds which national retailer will occupy the empty unit at Eddington Business Park, Herne Bay.
The Range, Poundstretcher, B&M and Poundland all ruled out opening a store at the site when contacted by the Gazette this week.
But when asked if Home Bargains was moving in to the former bike shop, a spokesman for the chain said “at this very early stage, we can’t confirm this”.
Planning documents submitted to Canterbury City Council by firm WSP Indigo, on behalf of the owner of the building, said: “The applicant is in discussions with a prospective tenant who is interested in occupying this vacant unit.
“Although they wish to be unnamed until planning permission has been secured, they are keen to operate in this location as they are currently not represented within this catchment area.
“The prospective tenant is a discount retailer and will only operate from out of centre locations due to the types of products sold and the discounts offered.”
The retailer sells gardening equipment, furniture, ornaments, pet food, baby items and beauty products.
WSP Indigo applied for the prospective store to be able to sell food and drink – such as sweets, crisps and protein shakes – discounted by as much as 30%.
“This is a fundamental requirement for the tenant and without it this tenant will not occupy the unit,” WSP continued.
“The potential tenant does not offer a full range of food that would allow for a full weekly shop.
“They also do not sell goods that are commonly sold on the high street. The proposals would ensure that a unit within a well-established retail park does not stay vacant.”
The plans were approved by the city council in December.
Home Bargains has more than 400 shops across the UK, including in Estuary View Business Park, Whitstable.
