American coffee giant Starbucks opens at Strood Retail Park today.

The largest coffeehouse in the world has taken up the final unit on the former B&Q site.

Manager Paul Cook, said earlier: “It is amazing to be in Strood with this fantastic new store. I can’t wait for Thursday.”

The cafe will employ 11 staff.

B&Q closed in January last year and the building was demolished to make way for several smaller units and a gym.

Electronics specialist Maplins opened at the end of July alongside the M&S Foodhall which opened last week.

The Gym Group will open a 24-hour gym in September. B&M Bargains is due to open this Saturday.