Next will open its new 132,000 sq ft anchor store at Bluewater later this month, marking one of its biggest UK store openings.

The fashion and home retailer will open the shop on Thursday 30 July, tripling the size of its existing Bluewater footprint.

The new store will be the Kent shopping centre’s first new anchor since it opened in 1999.

It will feature expanded men’s, women’s and childrenswear ranges, a larger homeware department and an in-store Costa café.

Bath & Body Works will also move into a neighbouring 2,000 sq ft unit as part of the wider opening.

The new opening was first confirmed last year, with Next relocating from its existing 44,600 sq ft store into the former House of Fraser unit at the Greenhithe shopping centre.

Bluewater centre director James Waugh said: “There has been huge anticipation around the opening of Next’s new store, so we’re delighted to confirm that it will be opening its doors later this month.

“As our first new anchor store since Bluewater launched in 1999, this expansion is a landmark moment for us.

“Next’s investment reinforces Bluewater’s position as a leading UK retail destination and highlights the continued strength and confidence we’re seeing in bricks-and-mortar retail.”

Next store manager Terry Wetherell added: “We’re incredibly excited to be opening the largest store across the Next portfolio at Bluewater Shopping Centre.

“We can’t wait to showcase a broader range of our products and introduce new brands to the centre and our customers.”

To mark the opening, the first 150 customers through the doors will receive goody bags, while Bluewater will host live music and family entertainment across the launch weekend.

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter