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Hempstead Valley to get sleek new look ahead of Home Bargains moving in to former BHS unit

Shoppers are guaranteed a stylish entrance when a discount store opens at an out-of-town shopping centre.

Home Bargains is moving into the former BHS shop at Hempstead Valley after undergoing a major refit.

How the entrance at Hempstead Valley looks now
How the entrance at Hempstead Valley looks now
The new-look entrance for Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre
The new-look entrance for Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre

Visitors will be greeted with stylish new entrance doors, sleek dark grey canopies and enhanced landscaping at the large unit, next to TK Maxx.

The project features artwork created by a competition winner.

It is hoped the bargain shop, which has a branch at Horsted Retail Park, will open this autumn.

A spokeswoman for the centre said the works were scheduled to finish at the end of July followed by a full fit which takes between 12 to 16 weeks before the tenant can move in.

After BHS collapsed in 2015 and left the Hempstead centre a year later, the store has been on and off vacant.

The former BHS unit at Hempstead Valley is to be taken on by Home Bargains. Picture: Google
The former BHS unit at Hempstead Valley is to be taken on by Home Bargains. Picture: Google

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 was then submitted to Medway Council, requesting alterations to the entrance to the store to make way for Home Bargains.

Since opening in 1978, Hempstead Valley has continually evolved to meet the needs of its customers.

Over the years, there have been significant developments, including the 1992 expansion with the addition of a flagship M&S, the launch of a dedicated restaurant area in 2015, and the introduction of TK Maxx in 2016.

There have also been improvements to parking and bus facilities.

The new-look for Hempstead Valley
The new-look for Hempstead Valley
The new entrance at Hempstead Valley
The new entrance at Hempstead Valley

More recently, in 2022, the East Mall was revitalised by adding JD Gym and a Burger King Drive-Thru.

The spokeswoman added: “The latest investment reinforces our dedication to making Hempstead Valley a vibrant and dynamic destination for both shoppers and retailers.

“We are proud to offer free parking, ensuring convenience for all visitors whilst shopping, as we continue to enhance the centre and deliver an exceptional experience.”

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