THE man behind plans for a new deli and food store near Gillingham Railway Station is hoping to open in time for spring next year.
The new business, Benji’s Yard, became a reality after now-approved plans were submitted to change the use of the former Roses and Sons yard at Station Road into a cafe and a large 82 capacity car park.
While the plans detailed that the new venture would be a cafe, leaseholder Benji Drew said Benji’s Yard would actually be a deli and food store, complete with a small cafe offering consisting of a coffee machine and some fresh foods based around will be sold in the deli.
“At its heart, Benji’s Yard will be a deli and artisan food store,” he said. “A place that celebrates quality, seasonal food, with a focus on local producers as well as some of the best international ingredients and treats.
“The wider vision is to create a genuinely community-minded space, somewhere that supports small businesses, makers, and creatives.
“We’ll be offering concession space for local entrepreneurs and hobbyists who’d like to take a shelf or a corner to sell their wares.”
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He added: “Already, we have The Book Nook, a space dedicated to new and curated second-hand books where visitors can relax and read, and I’m in conversation with a local vintage goods seller too.
“I’d love to hear from anyone else who’d like to be part of it, whether that’s a food producer, craftsperson, or someone with a unique product or idea to share. I can be reached by email at info@benjisyard.co.uk.”
Benji’s Yard will also stock a carefully chosen selection of homeware and lifestyle goods, with an emphasis on quality, practicality, and design.
“I’m also exploring the idea of plastic-free refill stations for household and cleaning products, helping customers shop more sustainably and reduce waste,” Benji said.
An 82 capacity car park is included in the plans Picture: Google
The building itself is currently undergoing renovations to bring it back to life. This includes removing some modern windows and reinstating the original openings to restore its character.
He added: “It’s a bit of a labour of love, but it’s important to me that Benji’s Yard feels authentic to both the building and the town.
“There’s also a small outdoor space, which will include summer seating and, in time, some plants and greenery to make it a welcoming spot to sit with a coffee or something from the deli.
“Inside, a good-sized area will be available for café seating, but it’s also intended to be flexible — a place that could host community groups, workshops, and creative events.
“Ultimately, Benji’s Yard is about good food, good company, and community. I really want to create something that feels rooted in Gillingham.
“It will be somewhere people can meet, share ideas, and feel part of something local. If all goes well, we’re aiming to open in spring 2026, and I can’t wait to welcome everyone in.”
When your New Blackmore Vale reported on the plans being approved by Dorset Council last month, a former tenant of The Railway Cafe, got in touch to express their surprise about the recent developments at the site.
This comes after he said he was forced to close his business due to declining footfall and rising costs and has questioned the commercial sustainability of the new venture.
“A major factor [for the closure] was the lack of access to the platform from our premises; customers often hesitated to visit for fear of missing their trains,” they said.
“Despite our efforts to work with Network Rail to install a direct door to the platform, our proposals were unfortunately rejected — something that ultimately sealed the café’s fate. It was, in my view and that of many locals, a real loss to the community.
“Given this context, I question whether the new café will be commercially sustainable, particularly given its location across the car park and the presence of the established Filling Station Café less than 100 yards away.
“It would seem far more sensible for Network Rail to have reinvested in the old station building, now up for auction, by renovating it into a combined waiting area and café. Such an approach could have created a more vibrant and practical hub for passengers and the local community alike.”
Responding to these concerns, Benji said that the Filling Station “does excellent pastries and great all day breakfasts” and they are not looking to replicate that.
He added: “The original change of use application (submitted by the landlord — I’ll be the leaseholder) leaned towards a café use, as that’s what the landlord expected when that was submitted.
“As for footfall, my aim is to create something that people will travel to, a destination in its own right. While passing customers will, of course, be very welcome, I’m hoping to bring new visitors into the area.”
What a brilliant facility to complement the Filling Station that is often closed.
Benji’s will be a great venue for Gillingham.