Work to transform part of Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre in Gillingham is now underway. The scheme, which will be completed by the end of September this year, will see the former Argos redeveloped into mixed use units for retail, leisure and community purposes. Vacant space above the underground car park will become a 12,000 sq ft leisure facility with 24-hour access, which may see a national gym operator move into. A new modern entrance to the shopping centre will also be created incorporating a living wall with updated cladding, high-quality paving surfaces and landscaping. New electric car charging points will be introduced for customers outside the underground car park, while 10 cycle parking spaces will be created.
A spokesperson for Hempstead Valley said: "This is a significant investment for the future of Hempstead Valley which will strengthen the Centre as a destination of choice for customers and retailers." The latest phase of redevelopment comes just months after Santander announced that its branch at Hempstead Valley will permanently close on 24 June this year. Opened in 1978, Hempstead Valley was one of the first out-of-town shopping centres in Kent, inspired by similar complexes of the time in North America. It was extended in 1992 with the addition of a new mall and its flagship M&S store. The Venue restaurant development was built in 2015 to replace the former indoor food court which later became a large TKMaxx in 2016. This also included the remodelling of the Red car park, public realm improvements and new bus stops.
Julie Elkins
18/5/2021 23:03:42
Where this is called a “Leisure Facility “, does this mean a normal food court, ie KFC Burger King etc 19/5/2021 22:18:31
Hi Julie, Comments are closed.
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