Plans to create a new Marks & Spencer store at Eclipse Park, near junction 7 of the M20, has been given the go-ahead following a unanimous vote in favour by Maidstone Borough Council.
The plans by Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Gallagher Properties will create a new store with 7,808 sq m of floorspace selling clothing, household goods and food, plus a cafe.
Work is expected to get under way towards the end of 2018, with its doors expected to open in 2019. It will provide 300 full and part-time jobs.
Nick Yandle of Gallagher Properties, said: “Throughout the whole process we have had overwhelming support from the local community which has culminated in last night’s unanimous vote and reinforces Eclipse Park’s importance to the Maidstone economy.
“We have all seen the headlines of the issues facing retailers and this is a major vote of confidence in Kent’s county town from M&S.”
The plans for the two-storey building at Eclipse Park also received the recommendation for approval from the council’s planning officers.
The design of the proposed new store was mentioned during the planning committee, which will see the building incorporate high quality materials.
The decision will see M&S join NEXT Home & Fashion, which opened a store at Eclipse Park in 2014.
