A new Lidl supermarket which was almost scuppered by store wars is taking shape.

The shop in Medway Road, Gillingham will be the retailer's first branch in the Towns.

But it almost didn't go ahead after opposition from rivals Asda and Tesco.

Asda had argued Lidl's plans to open a 1,669-square metre store across the road from its Gillingham Pier superstore would cause harm to retail offers in the town, while Tesco also raised objections.

Councillors were asked to consider the plans four times before permission was granted in October 2021.

Bulldozers moved in to clear the site in January and now the metal frame for the building has gone up.

The store is also advertising job vacancies for retail assistants. It is expected to create around 40 jobs.

The German company was first given the nod to open the branch in April 2020.

But the bid was blighted by legal challenges lodged by Asda.

Following a decision in Lidl's favour in February 2021, Asda sought a third judicial review.

This led to planning permission being quashed in September 2021, forcing Lidl to apply for permission once again.

Councillors eventually approved the plan in October last year and criticised Asda for ‘gangster-like behaviour’ over its opposition to the proposals.

There were 28 other sites considered for the supermarket - these included Dockside Outlet Centre and an industrial estate off Owens Way, Gillingham.

Access to the new store will be from Medway Road and there will be 96 parking spaces.

The building has been designed to be ultra eco-friendly. Work is expected to be completed this summer.

Lidl’s regional head of property, Paul Mason said: "We are delighted to be bringing a new store to Medway Road, which marks another milestone in our ambitious store expansion programme."