Member Article

Proposed Maidstone Waitrose to create 200 jobs

Supermarket chain Waitrose is plotting a new store in Maidstone that could see the creation of 200 jobs in the area.

The retail giant has put forward proposals with local firm Gallagher Group for a new 29,000 sq ft store that they hope to open by 2018 at Eclipse Park, near junction 7 of the M20. In addition to the 200 jobs it claims will be created, a further 200 construction jobs will be required for the 12 month build and landscape programme.

The retailer has an existing store located at Allington Park, but has provided assurances that the proposals will not pose a threat to the current site.

Jonathan Banham of Waitrose, said: “Waitrose has a long-standing ambition to serve a larger proportion of the Maidstone community and add to our existing branch in Allington Park, which has served customers for more than 45 years.

“The location has been identified as the only one in, or near, Maidstone that would enable us to sustain two stores in the town. Every alternative site in the town centre would pull customers from the Allington Park store, making it unviable.”

“We believe that the proposals brought forward by Gallagher Properties for Eclipse Park offer an exciting opportunity to generate new investment in the town which can deliver more choice and new jobs for local people.

“We look forward to sharing our plans and are keen to gain as many views as possible before an application is submitted.”