Herne Bay’s long-awaited Aldi store could be open in time for Christmas, with building work starting next week.

Developers behind plans to build the store on King’s Road car park next to Morrisons will move on to the site on Monday.

They will start work immediately, and it is thought the discount shop could open in December if works go to plan.

Project manager Colin McQueston, from Coplan Estates, said: “It was a challenge but we got there and the contractors will be in there on Monday.

“It could open towards the end of the year if they can get it open.

“Clearly they would love to try and open for Christmas, but it’s if Aldi can complete their fit-out in time.”

Plans for the supermarket were first announced by developers four years ago to form the first phase of the town’s regeneration.

The £50 million scheme will also include construction of a new shopping area on the William Street car park.

“I think the people of Herne Bay are looking forward to seeing it arrive. Like any project there are a couple of weeks where the contractor sets up and the first week will be fairly slow, but things will start to pick up..." - Colin McQueston

The 18,000 sq ft store is expected to draw in a further 500,000 visitors and shoppers to the town centre every year and will create 35 jobs.

But the project has faced a number of stumbling blocks, including highways issues.

Mr McQueston said: “One of the issues was it is on a one-in-100-year flood plain and the building had to be designed to cope with any flooding issues.

“If any flood water appeared on site the water would travel beneath the store.

“That has been overcome, and we are glad that we are on site on Monday. There’s nothing better than a project actually going on site.

“I think the people of Herne Bay are looking forward to seeing it arrive. Like any project there are a couple of weeks where the contractor sets up and the first week will be fairly slow, but things will start to pick up.”

City council spokesman Rob Davies said: “The final day for parking at King’s Road will be Sunday, January 17. After that date, the car park will close permanently and the site will be in the hands of the developers for Aldi.”