An empty unit at a shopping centre is expected to be taken over by JD Sports.

Bosses behind the sports chain are hoping to open their 10th Kent store at the St James’ leisure and retail park in Dover.

The company this week submitted a planning application to Dover District Council to take over the currently-vacant shop, which is sandwiched between Next and Shoezone.

The application is to install a mezzanine floor to increase the existing gross internal floorspace from 423 sq m (4,553 sq ft) to 658 sq m (7,083 sq ft).

A mezzanine is a low storey between two others in a building, usually between the ground and first floors.

The move has already caused a stir among locals.

On Facebook page Dover for Dovorians (Original), one man commented: “Just need Primark now and there will be no need to go to Canterbury.”

Another person said: “This is great news. Its’ a big brand showing a bit of confidence in Dover, so let's hope it gets used.

“If it's successful it will draw other big names to Dover hopefully.”

Two other people simply said: “About time.”

JD Sports has been gradually increasing its presence in Kent, already having a total nine branches so far.

In the east of the county one is at Bouverie Shopping Centre, in Folkestone, which opened in 2019, and another in County Square in Ashford. That opened in 2017.

Two others are at Whitefriars in Canterbury, and Westwood Cross Centre in Thanet.

In the west of the county there are two in Medway and one each in Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and at Bluewater.

St James’ is also home to Cineworld, Travelodge, M&S Foodhall, Taco Bell, Greggs, a gym and more.

KentOnline has contacted JD Sports to learn further details of its plans for Dover.