Plans for a new Marks and Spencer supermarket are set to go on display to the public.

The proposed store, which will be built at Eclipse Park near junction 7 of the M20 near Maidstone, will consist of a food hall, homeware and fashion departments, and a cafe.

The plans by Marks and Spencer and Gallagher Properties could, if approved by
Maidstone Borough Council, create 300 full and part-time positions when the store
opens.

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A public exhibition is to be held at the Hilton Hotel on Bearsted Road, Eclipse Park between 2pm and 8pm on Thursday, February 22 for local residents to voice their opinions.

The Marks and Spencer proposals follow a decision by Waitrose not to proceed with its
plans to build a similar store after being granted permission by Maidstone Borough Council in May 2017.

M&S requires a new location that is the same footprint as the permitted foodstore, with a 300 space car park, including accessible and parent and child spaces.

The supermarket giant says the store will have striking design, incorporating high quality materials.

Nick Yandle of landowner Gallagher Properties, said: “The combination of a Marks and Spencer and NEXT at Eclipse Park would improve Maidstone’s retail offer as the county town to local residents and people from across a wider area of Kent.

“This investment by Marks and Spencer would also reinforce the area around junction 7
and its importance to the borough’s economy."

The firm hopes to submit a planning application later this month with a view to start work on the site in the summer and then to open in autumn.

Residents can find out more about the plans here.