National chain Home Bargains has been granted permission to create up to 100 jobs and invest more than £3 million in a new North Staffordshire store.
The discount retailer had submitted planning permission to refurbish the old Homebase unit, which closed earlier this year, on the edge of Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre.
The plans have been passed by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and will see new shopfronts installed, a relocated customer entrance/exit and other work completed.
Home Bargains is the trading name of applicant TJM.
In a report submitted with the planning application, it said that the store will generate more than 100 full and part time jobs, including those created by the store fit out, merchandising, security and future maintenance.
A report submitted with the plans read: “The proposals are significant in terms of the benefits that will be derived should permission be granted. These include the improvement of a prominent retail location, securing the long-term occupation of existing vacant floorspace and the creation of up to 100 jobs.”
It added: “The proposals will improve the retail choice and competition currently represented in the local area.”
According to planning documents, Home Bargains has over 600 stores and employs over 24,000 members of staff but wants to grow to 1,200 stores employing over 40,000 people.
The chain already has a store in Newcastle’s town centre.
Although renovations will take place, there will be no increase in the size of the Brook Lane store.
