Up to 500 jobs will be created if a major retailer gets the go-ahead to build a supermarket in Medway.

Sainsbury’s has announced plans to build a 64,000 ft sq store on the Medway City Estate in Strood.

The proposed site, off Anthonys Way, was previously owned by B&Q but the DIY firm sold the land when it built its store in Gillingham.

The plans include making improvements to the nearby roads and bringing in a park and ride scheme to relieve traffic congestion.

The store will sell food and non-food products.

The site already has planning permission for the sale of non-food products including electricals, books, crockery and mobile phones and for the park and ride.

Sainsbury’s hope the store will create up to 500 full and part-time jobs, more than would have been created by the store previously planned for the site.
It will have 413 parking spaces and provide bus services to local town centres such as Chatham.

A number of improvements will be made to nearby roads if the build goes ahead – including traffic lights on the Antonys Way and Sans Pareil roundabouts to reduce queues, congestion and delays in Frindsbury and on the Medway City Estate.

Sainsbury’s says the plans are still in the early stages and a full planning application will be submitted following a public consultation.

Development surveyor Harriet Houlihan said: “We are very excited about the opportunity to bring a new Sainsbury’s store to Frindsbury.

“At a time when it is difficult to progress regeneration projects, we are in a position to make a major investment and commit to delivering this project in the immediate term.

“We believe the increased shopping choice for Medway residents, hundreds of new jobs, investment in the local highway network and the new Park & Ride facility would all benefit local people and businesses.”