An opening date has been confirmed for a long-awaited Home Bargains store.

The discount chain is moving into a site in Faversham formerly occupied by Morrisons.

Bosses at Home Bargains revealed plans to change the 1,709 sq m retail space – by expanding the entrance area and installing a new shop front – last year.

The plans were approved by Swale Borough Council and the company has now confirmed the branch will open on Saturday, November 2, and will have an in-store bakery as well as a large chilled and frozen range.

Team leader roles are currently being advertised, with a starting salary of £29,079 and it is expected as many as 50 jobs will be created within the store.

A current application to install automatic number plate recognition cameras is currently live, while a bid for an alcohol licence is to be decided by the council ahead of the grand opening.

There will be a complete resurfacing of the car park and the installation of new cycle parking, as well as 16 electric vehicle charging points.

Nearby resident Lesley Seager, commenting on the council’s planning portal on the now-approved application, argued Home Bargains “will inject some fresh life into Faversham and also help people who can not travel out of town”.

She added: “I know many people say shop local but most can't afford to when some retailers charge nearly £5 a loaf and £9 for a bar of soap. This discount store is needed to help those who are not so well off.”

Morrisons closed last year, with bosses blaming the store’s unsustainable economic performance.

Staff at the Faversham branch who requested redeployment were found alternative roles within the company.

Home Bargains has more than 500 sites around the UK. There are currently 10 in Kent with nearby Sittingbourne, Canterbury and Whitstable all offering customers what the company calls “top brands, bottom prices”.

Home Bargains, which will be competing with rival Poundland following its recent store opening in Faversham, has been contacted for comment.