A hugely popular home and hobbies store is set to expand.

Work has started on the first phase of expansion at the Dockside Outlet Centre in Chatham.

Previous unused space will be used by both new and existing tenants, including the centre's flagship store, The Range.

The retailer, which has recently signed a new 15-year lease, will be the first to begin work with an extension that will increase floor space to an enormous 65,000 square feet.

The project, which is set to take about 12 weeks, will include a two floor extension.

Anthony Sutton, Dockside centre manager, said the expansion is part of Dockside’s wider plans to provide a better shopping experience for customers.

He added: “This expansion marks the beginning of a really exciting time for Dockside.

"2013 was a great year for us in terms of both footfall and sales with an increase of 3.2% and 1.6% respectively, so we’re really looking forward to revealing these changes to our customers and an equally, if not more successful 2014.”