A supermarket and two drive-thru restaurants could be built on the site of a former drinks factory demolished a decade ago.
Reworked plans have been submitted to transform the 11-acre former Silver Spring Mineral Water Company site on Park Farm Industrial Estate in Folkestone.
A pair of mid-range hotels – potentially an Ibis and a Hampton by Hilton – had been earmarked for the so-called ‘Folkestone Gateway’ development in 2018.
But the plans for the site close to the Channel Tunnel terminal were scrapped after the Covid pandemic blew a hole in the business case.
Landowner Channex Project Management Ltd, which acquired the plot from previous developers Ravensbourne Investments, changed the plans in 2022 to include a mix of retail, food and business units.
And the developers have now made further tweaks which include the addition of a new supermarket and an extra drive-thru restaurant.
The food store is set to be 20,000 sq ft in size, with the drive-thrus ranging from 1,800 sq ft to 2,500 sq ft.
Within the planning documents submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC), the masterplan also shows proposals for five business units and a builder’s merchant.
It is not yet known which companies will take on the units, but Channex Project Management Ltd says the development would “enhance the quality of life for residents”.
A spokesman said: “Residents will have easier access to a wider range of groceries and everyday essentials, potentially reducing the need to travel longer distances for shopping.
“The new establishments will create employment opportunities, both during the construction phase and for ongoing operations, providing local jobs in various roles such as retail, management, and customer service.
“The development can stimulate the local economy by attracting more visitors to the area, which can also benefit nearby businesses.”
The developers say the impact on Folkestone town centre has been assessed and “recognised as not being an obstacle to this application or the future development of the site”.
The spokesman added: “Additional services, such as those offered by the drive-thrus, provide more dining options and conveniences for busy residents and commuters.
“Increased competition among local retailers could lead to better prices and promotions for consumers.
“The retail park can become a focal point for the community, offering a place for social interaction and engagement.”
Silver Spring, which had operated in Folkestone since 1888, fell into administration in 2013 and the building was demolished a year later.
The company had been based on the Park Farm estate since 1970.
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In April 2022, plans for 30 industrial units on land south of Barnfield Road – proposed by developers not involved with the proposals for the main Silver Spring site to the north – were approved by FHDC.
A decision on Channex Project Management Ltd’s application will be made by planning officers at the authority.