The countdown has begun to ASDA opening in Dover - and to help celebrate the news the ASDA roadshow will be in town this weekend.
Planning permission for the new store, which will be part of the St James' development, was granted earlier this year and building work is now expected to begin next year.
To celebrate this, ASDA is spending two days in the town this week. The ASDA marquee will be in Pencester Gardens on Friday (6 July) and Saturday (7 July) and local residents are being invited to come along to find out more about the new store plans.
As well as information about the store, there will be also be a fashion show of the latest ranges from George - ASDA's award-winning clothing brand - competitions and face painting. Additionally, ASDA colleagues will be on hand to talk about future employment opportunities.
There will also be an opportunity to sample some of their locally sourced products, including servings of some delicious Kent strawberries and cream.
The George fashion shows are being staged by locally-based Franze Academy and the models all come from Dover and the surrounding area.
The St James's proposals, which are being promoted by developer Bond City, will transform this major site, which is at the southern edge of the town centre, just inland from the sea front and docks. The entire site will be redeveloped with the removal of the existing vacant high-rise office block, hotel, bus depot and multi-storey car park, making way for a mix of modern retail, hotel and residential facilities. The proposals also include restaurants and a visitor centre.
"We know that local people are really keen for ASDA to come to Dover," says Deborah Yewdall from ASDA's property team. "Although our new store won't be open for a while, this roadshow demonstrates our commitment to Dover and we hope that as many people as possible will visit us to learn about our plans - and, of course, to have some fun!"
