MBC has welcomed the brand-new M&S Maidstone Eclipse as a new shopping experience bringing with it – employment for 130 local people.
Despite difficulties due to the Coronavirus pandemic the large new concept store located at the Eclipse Park (Junction 7 of the M20), opened on Wednesday 12 August offering the community extensive clothing, food and home departments.
Attending the opening was Maidstone Borough Council Leader – Cllr Martin Cox who said:
“This is a fantastic addition to the quality retail experience people can find in Maidstone. The passion and immense amount of work during the last 12 days to stock this flagship M&S store for the people across the borough is very noticeable and the products are as good as you would find in London.
“All the staff at this store should be, and rightfully are, very proud to service the residents and visitors to the County Town.”
The architecture and construction of the building has utilised local materials and has been completed under difficult circumstances during lockdown.
MBC Head of Planning and Development – Rob Jarman added:
“The new store is a concept of a high architectural quality with a ‘modernist’ design yet utilises local materials, in particular, local ragstone. The building is finished to a high quality as is the landscaped area it is set in which utilises ‘green’ technology. Delivering such a high-quality store has been a challenge in the current climate but effective partnership working has ensured the completion.”
M&S Maidstone Eclipse Store Manager André Brincat said:
“My team and I are really excited about our new flagship store in Maidstone. When open, we’ll be working hard to provide outstanding service and help make every penny count for the community. Our new store will offer thousands of great quality Food products, the latest in Clothing inspiration and essentials for the whole family.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming the community and will have measures in place to reflect the latest guidelines, to ensure everyone can shop safely and with peace of mind.”