A new business is in the frame to take over the anchor store of a Kent shopping centre.

Home Bargains looks set to take over the former BHS at Hempstead Valley in Gillingham, which has been vacant on and off since the high street giant folded in 2016.

Since then, it has been home to short-term lets, including M&Co between 2017 and 2020, Sainsbury’s during its refurbishment works between 2020 and 2021, and more recently to Christmas Time over the festive period.

A planning application has now been submitted to Medway council, requesting alterations to the entrance to the store to make way for Home Bargains.

No new floorspace is planned, but a new entrance to the shopping centre is proposed, as well as the refurbishment of another outside TK Maxx.

TDH Estates, which put forward the plans, said: “The proposal seeks to enhance an otherwise vacant unit to make it ready for an in coming tenant as well as providing a much improved south mall entrance.”

It will be Home Bargains’ second branch in Medway, following the opening of its Horsted Retail Park store in Chatham in 2020.

It is not known when it will open or how many jobs will be created.

The chain joins McDonald’s and German Doner Kebab, which are also set to open at the shopping centre.

Home Bargains and Hempstead Valley have been approached for more information.