A sports giant is set to take over an empty unit in County Square in Ashford.

The Kentish Express can exclusively reveal that JD Sports plans to move into the town centre shopping centre later this year.

The sports fashion business could possibly move into the former site of BHS, which closed last July, or Mothercare, which will close in March, although the location has not yet been confirmed.

County Square this week appeared to suggest that the Mothercare site was the likely venue.

A spokesman said: "The former Mothercare store will welcome an exciting new national retail brand to County Square which will be announced soon."

JD Sports cemented its reputation as the UK’s biggest-listed sporting goods retailer in November last year when it bought outdoor stores group Go Outdoors for £112.3 million.

JD also owns the Blacks, Millets, Ultimate Outdoors and Tiso brands.

The sports group already has branches around Kent, including stores in Maidstone, Canterbury and Bluewater.

The Ashford chain is not expected to open its for a few months.

A spokesman for JD Sports was unable to provide information about opening dates, times or jobs but she said the details would be made available "closer to the time."

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