New shops are coming to a retail park near the Designer Outlet in Ashford.

Bosses are set to extend the Gallagher Retail Park, building two new stores on the site of the former McLaren’s Food factory.

Wren Kitchens confirmed last week it was going to occupy one of the shops from spring 2021.

But the firm now says it is not looking at the Gallagher Retail Park and is instead in the early stages of legal proceedings on another spot elsewhere in the town.

The kitchen retailer was expected to join an unknown company set to open on the former factory site opposite B&Q, which suffered extensive damage during a fire in September 2010.

A planning application was submitted two years later by Friends Life Ltd to introduce retail units to the site next to the Beaver Industrial Estate and it was eventually approved in 2014.

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When built, the new shops will sit next to the current offering at the Gallagher Retail Park comprising Harveys, Halfords, Pets at Home and Currys PC World.

Twenty-nine new parking spaces will be added to the existing car park, taking the total number of spaces to 220.

Access to the site will be via the existing Gallagher Retail Park entrance off Norman Road.

Since the application was approved in 2014, developers have knocked down the former food factory but have yet to start work on the stores.

The firms using the units were limited by the Ashford Borough Council planning committee to protect the town centre, with a subsequent council report stating: “In line with the planning permissions at the adjoining Gallagher Retail Park, the proposed development is intended to sell 'bulky goods' including DIY/home improvement and garden/gardening products; furniture and furnishings; carpets and floor coverings; pets and related products; and electrical goods.

“It will not sell clothing / footwear or health and beauty products.”

Shoppers at the Gallagher Business Park have mixed views on the plan and what they would like to see move into the 6,000sq ft unit.

John McLean, from Lympne, said: “I think it’s quite good for the community to have more businesses - I’m for it.

“There’s nothing I’d want there in particular, as I say any local business would be good.”

Victoria Crescent resident Sharon Clements praised the influx of jobs, before suggesting the 6,000 sq ft store should be turned into a Primark.

“Either that or bingo, considering the town centre hall went,” she said.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford

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