Work continues on Shell’s St John’s Road garage, three weeks after it was said to be reopening and selling Waitrose products.
When the petrol station closed in January for a full-scale demolition and refurbishment, it was suggested the facility would reopen on June 15.
But Shell told the Times this week they would open ‘this summer’ but were unable to give a precise date or even the month this would be.
The chain also offered ‘no comment’ on why the work had exceeded June 15.
Waitrose will be supplying 600 food and drink products in a dedicated section.
Around two-thirds of these will be own-label and others will be the ‘most popular’ labels they sell.
While the petrol station shop will be operated by Shell, it is the first time the long sought-after chain has had this kind of presence in Tunbridge Wells.
Nigel Roberts, B2B Business Lead for Waitrose, said: ‘There is growing demand for food to be increasingly accessible to meet their busy lifestyles without compromising on quality.
‘This will further reinforce consumer confidence in the quality and choice available at the store as well as providing a more convenient way for our local customers to access our products.’
Shell has applied to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for a 24-hour off-licence, a move which is consistent with other petrol stations.
