Homebase To Share Tunbridge Wells Store With Discount Supermarket

A Homebase store in Tunbridge Wells is to be split in half to create space for a German discount supermarket chain.

A local newspaper - The Times of Tunbridge Wells - reported that the Linden Park Road/Broadwater Lane store will share its site with Lidl, although it is unclear when the new store will open.

When approached by The Times, a Lidl spokesperson said: “We are in the process of exploring various options to bring a Lidl store to Tunbridge Wells and look forward to sharing any firm plans with the community, as soon as we’re in a position to do so.”

A Homebase spokesperson told The Times: “We can confirm that the unit on Broadwater Lane has been split and that this space has been acquired by Lidl. Our Tunbridge Wells store will continue to operate as per usual.”

In August 2019, Homebase made an application to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to make several changes to the store, including the creation of two entrances. Requests to extend a delivery area and change the parking layout were also included in the plans.  

In a report within the application, Montagu Evans, Homebase's surveyor, said: "Homebase has been trading from the unit since it was constructed in the early 1990s. Homebase almost went into administration and was sold to Hilco in 2018.

"Since this time, Hilco and Homebase have been looking for opportunities to ensure the long term performance of their portfolio, including downsizing stores in certain areas.

"The Tunbridge Wells store has been identified as one such store. 

!In order to retain Homebase and the associated jobs at the site, the decision has been taken to downsize the existing unit, rather than relocate to a different site. It is anticipated that up between 40-60 new full and part-time jobs could be created by the introduction of a new retailer to the site."

Sainsbury's operates a supermarket opposite the Homebase store but would not comment when approached by local press to discuss the Homebase/Lidl development.

Source : Insight DIY Team

Image : Jonny Essex / Shutterstock.com

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