Kentish Express Ashford & District
Charity store to open in September
Contractors have begun stripping out a former bargain store in the Lower High Street to make way for a new charity electricals and furniture shop.
The former Multisave store run by Iqbal Ahmed closed in July 2014 after replacing the former Blockbuster video shop a year earlier.
Since then, the 5,990 sqft site has remained empty with whitewashed windows, and has been the subject of speculation about which business could move in.
The site was touted as a potential space for a Primark store along with the empty former Pizza Hut restaurant across the street, but Primark repeatedly rubbished the idea.
Now national charity Debra is set to move in, and the target is to be open by Saturday September 3.
The charity funds research into epidermolysis bullosa, a group of painful genetic skin disorders that affect more than 5,000 people in the UK.
Shopfitting contractor Mennex started to strip out the old carpets this week and will give the store a makeover over the next three weeks.
Debra retail boss Dan Moore said it would be the charity’s 12th furniture and electrical store in the country, and would create three full-time jobs.
The charity will be recruiting volunteers to help in the shop.
He said: “We are thrilled to be opening up our largest furniture store in Ashford. We are continually growing this side of the charity, and felt that Ashford was the ideal location to help us raise both funds and awareness.
“We will be providing a means of giving pre-loved items a new lease of life in the community whilst raising vital funds for the charity.
“We would encourage anyone with an interest to come in and have a chat once we are open.
“We’re a friendly bunch and new helpers will receive a warm welcome.”
He said that anyone wishing to donate household items can call the charity on 0300 323 0419 to arrange a collection or houseclearing service.
Meanwhile, the former Pizza Hut restaurant is set to become a motoring-themed cafe, with a deal nearing completion.
Council cabinet member Cllr Graham Galpin had previously said that he welcomed the interest shown in the two sites, and said it reflected business confidence in Ashford as a town and as a brand.