Work has begun on converting an empty Argos unit into a huge two-storey supermarket.

Iceland is taking on the catalogue giant’s former store on Ashford Retail Park in Sevington, creating 40 jobs.

The store will open under ‘The Food Warehouse’ name – a brand launched by Iceland in 2014.

Its stores are larger than the chain’s core outlets and stock a wider range of frozen goods.

Contractors have now started working on the site after plans to install a new shopfront were approved by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) earlier this month.

The authority received one letter of objection after a resident raised concerns over a lack of parking and noise pollution.

A separate application concerning the installation of an air conditioning/refrigeration plant is yet to be approved.

In a comment submitted to ABC, Sevington with Finberry Parish Council says it is concerned about the noise the compound will create.

“The noise level reported will be 32 decibels but at night this will appear much louder,” it said.

“The parish council also has concerns about parking; the current infrastructure cannot cope with existing tenants when busy and this puts pressure on local residents.

“A supermarket is only going to exacerbate the problems.”

ABC is set to decide on the application – which also includes a new mezzanine floor – later this month.

Iceland says 10 full-time jobs and 30 part-time positions will be created when the store opens.

After KentOnline revealed plans for the store in December, shoppers said they were pleased to hear the large unit will be used again.

It has sat empty since Argos closed in August 2022.

“I’d definitely choose to shop there,” Valentine Doldan said.

“It’s a shame that Argos had to go but it’s better than it being left empty.”

Mel Jacobs added: “I think Iceland would be quite good there; it’s horrible when units are empty and shops close.

“The only thing is that the retail park is quite busy already so there would be more traffic, and parking could be harder.”

Iceland currently has a store in Ashford high street and a freezer section inside The Range – the former John Lewis – in Fougeres Way.

It is not yet known when The Food Warehouse will open.