A former Argos store that has been left empty for almost three years is finally set to be taken over.

The branch on the Marshwood Close Retail Park off Sturry Road, Canterbury, shut down in 2022.

It was timed to coincide with the launch of the Argos unit at Sainsbury’s in Kingsmead Road, but the closure has left a huge gap at the site since.

Now, the British Heart Foundation is poised to move in and open a home and fashion store on July 3.

Donna Evans, BHF’s retail area manager, says the charity is “thrilled” to be taking on the retail park site.

“If you want to do a summer refresh of your living room or need some clothes for the hot weather, pop in and see us to explore the preloved gems on offer,” she said.

“Our team will be looking for volunteers to join them and lend a helping hand so please do get in touch if you can spare a couple of hours. Or if you’re having a clear out, we’re always grateful for any preloved quality donations.”

Before its closure was confirmed three years ago, the Marshwood Close Argos had been the company’s last-surviving standalone store in the county.

Kent business expert Professor Richard Scase previously predicted that retail parks will struggle to attract customers who can instead shop online - and that “very cheap discount stores” would fill units left empty by departing shops.

In 2021, he said: “What are you going to do with these vacant buildings? They can’t really be used for anything else.

“The sorts of products being offered at the sorts of stores on retail parks are particularly vulnerable because you don’t need to touch it and feel it.”

Last year, Cancer Research confirmed plans to turn the former Carpetright building in Vauxhall Road into its fourth Kent superstore.