A long-abandoned superstore that has sat empty for almost five years is set to be taken over by Next and Costa Coffee.

The former Mothercare unit on the Wincheap Retail Park in Canterbury has been vacant since the company went bust in 2020.

But plans have now emerged for major clothing retailer Next to move into the large building, with Costa opening an outlet within the store.

News the two British firms are teaming up to bring the neglected site back to life has delighted residents.

Next already has a branch in the city centre, but shoppers keen to avoid £3.70-an-hour parking charges are buoyed by the prospect of an out-of-town option.

Retired Tim Harris told KentOnline: “I think it’ll be a good thing - it’ll definitely be somewhere people go shopping, especially with a Costa.

“It’ll certainly be more convenient than driving into the city centre if you’re not already there.

“Jobs are always a good thing. I would imagine young people would be in line for those roles.”

His wife, Mary, did urge some caution, however, adding: “I just hope it won’t clog up the roads too much. It’s quite hard to drive through Wincheap some days as it is.”

Fellow shopper Jane Moss, 43, says she is particularly looking forward to the coffee shop opening.

“It’d be nice to have a proper Costa here - you have a few machines nearby but it’s not the same,” she said.

Local councillor Dane Buckman (Lab) says it is pleasing to learn a long-empty site is going to be filled.

“Empty units just aren’t a good look for the area and Next is quite a big brand to attract people,” he said.

“You already have lots of other shops there and it's better than staying empty, that's for sure.”

Papers submitted to Canterbury City Council show Next hopes to rejuvenate the exterior of the unit with signage and alterations to the entrance doors, with the help of Costa.

It will offer a range of clothing for women, men and children along with house, lifestyle products and a coffeehouse.

A Next spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we will be opening a new Next store in Wincheap, Canterbury. Opening is planned for Spring 2025.”

A Costa Coffee spokesperson added: “We look forward to welcoming the local community and shoppers to the new store to enjoy their favourite Costa coffee.”

Mothercare closed in January 2020, while in March the following year Argos vacated its neighbouring store.

The latter has since been filled by Hobbycraft.

Elsewhere on the park, plans emerged last year for KFC to take over a unit previously occupied by Carphone Warehouse.

The fast food giant secured planning permission for new signage last June, but the site remains empty.

KFC was asked to comment on its plans for the unit, but has not responded.