Plans for a multi-million-pound redevelopment of The Forum Shopping Centre in Sittingbourne have been revealed after it was taken over.
Vanguard Properties UK Ltd have purchased the centre from former owner Praxis in a £2.4 million deal in December 2024, with them expecting to spend between £6 million and £7 million on the redevelopment, which will take several years to complete.
Vanguard director Kamal Farid says the project’s main focus is about boosting footfall by bringing more food and beverage (F&B) outlets to join Costa Coffee.
A new independent store, Julian’s Pie and Mash, is due to open in the coming months.
There have also been talks with a large national chain, the identity of which cannot be revealed at this stage, said Mr Farid. The unnamed retailer is set to take on the largest unit, number 19, once home to Somerfield, Tesco and most recently Poundstretcher, which has been empty since 2022.
He said “We want to make it a destination for the community to come and spend their time”.
Vanguard says it is planning to submit its proposals to Swale council this week.
The firm has other Kent properties and land on its books, including part of the former St John Fisher school in Chatham, where it plans to build new homes, the former Lazzat restaurant in Wrotham, near Meopham.
