Work is nearing completion on the final phase of the Neats Court retail park in Queenborough.

The £1.63 million project, which began at the end of November, will see seven retail units built across two blocks between Morrisons and The Five Bridges pub, parallel to the A249.

The buildings are being put together by Folkestone-based firm Jenner.

Four of the seven units have already been let out to Subway, Costa Coffee, while Burger King and Starbucks will have drive-thrus.

Work on fitting out will start once Jenner has finished on site at the end of May. The stores are due to open before the summer.

Martin Sandall, Jenner’s managing director, said the company was making good progress with the project.

He said: “We are pleased to be delivering this latest phase of the Neat’s Court retail park, providing much-needed commercial outlets for the Isle of Sheppey and its residents.”

Developer LXB Retail Properties, which owns the under-construction phase, said it is in talks with other potential tenants for the remaining three units.

Between 30 to 40 jobs are expected to be created in the new phase.

Recruitment is yet to start, but coffee giant Starbucks has already begun advertising for senior staff, including a full-time supervisor and store manager, for the new site which is expected to open in June.

In January LXB sold off part of Neat’s Court for more than £11 million. This included shops already trading such as Sports Direct and Cancer Research UK and this part is owned by Lightstone Neatscourt LLP.

Poundland has reopened in the former GHM! unit, which closed on March 18.

The former Poundland store is now vacant.