Retail giant Marks & Spencer is to move into Aylesford.

Owners of the South Aylesford retail park off the London Road, the Crown Estate, announced this week that it will open a Simply Food branch on the site in March next year, with the creation of around 50 jobs.

The company has signed a 20-year lease to occupy a 15,500sq ft unit.

The move is part of its plans to expand the Simply Food brand, opening up to 200 new branches in the next three years.

Hannah Milne, portfolio manager of The Crown Estate’s regional portfolio, said: “Marks & Spencer Simply Food will be an excellent addition to South Aylesford, and will help further improve the retail offer at one of Kent’s most popular shopping destinations.

“We are committed to continuing to invest in the retail park, whether that’s by focussing on attracting new retailers and leisure occupiers, or by ensuring the park plays a part in the local community through family fun days such as our recent Big Green Leaf event.”

Coffee house Costa opened on the site in May this year. The retail site was acquired by The Crown Estate, which owns 16 parks across the country, in August 2011 for £70.6 million.

Marc O’Connor, Marks & Spencer regional head, said: “We have been on the lookout for a site in Maidstone to bring our popular Simply Food offering, and South Aylesford Retail Park offers an ideal location.

"We look forward to embedding ourselves as part of the community and bringing more jobs and investment to Maidstone.”