A discount store has at last announced its opening date at a shopping centre.
Home Bargains will be welcoming shoppers at Hempstead Valley from Saturday, November 15, after taking over the former BHS store, the High Street giant which folded nearly 10 years ago.
After announcing it was moving into the centre in November 2023, a major refit of the substantial unit’s ground floor has been carried out.
Paperwork has now been completed, and the new tenants have the keys and are preparing for the launch.
The outlet has been home to short-term lets, including M&Co between 2017 and 2020, Sainsbury’s during its refurbishment works between 2020 and 2021, and more recently to Christmas Time over the festive period.
Julie Rayner, centre manager, said: “We are very pleased to have Home Bargains here – and at a time when a lot of investment has gone into the shopping centre to improve the aesthetic.”
Meanwhile, Boba Time, a bubble tea shop is opening at the centre on Friday (August 8).
Suman, who will be running the takeaway in the mall, also has an Indian food truck at Dockside in Chatham.
Among the improvements at the centre is a stylish new entrance designed by a customer in a competition run by management.
Since opening in 1978, Hempstead Valley has continually evolved to meet the needs of its customers.
Over the years, there has been significant developments, including the 1992 expansion with the addition of a flagship M&S, the launch of a dedicated restaurant area in 2015, and the introduction of TK Maxx in 2016.
Now, plans for a fast-food restaurant’s drive-thru to remain open 24 hours a day have just been approved.
Burger King opened at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre in Gillingham in June 2022 and has been operating as both a drive-thru and dine-in restaurant ever since.
