SHOPS MAKE PLANS TO MOVE INTO CITY UNITS
STORE TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO EMPTY SITES
New life is to be breathed into part of Sunderland’s B&Q store when it is taken over by Home Bargains.
The business has been given the green light to carry out a series of alterations to the empty unit in Trimdon Street, Deptford, as it looks to launch a new base next door to the DIY shop.
Morrisons had been planning to open in a section of B&Q, and carried out work to split off part of the hardware store into two units after B&Q decided to downscale the size of its business there.
But when Morrisons’ plans failed to progress, it looked to find another retailer to take on the site, with Home Bargains’ parent company TJ Morris sought out by the supermarket firm to occupy the shop.
Home Bargains has signed a deal for the freehold of the building, with a new shop front and changes to the car park agreed.
However, it is remaining tight-lipped over when the shop could be open to customers and how many jobs it will create.
A spokesman said: “While we can’t confirm an opening date just yet, we are currently recruiting for a number of roles across the country and would encourage those interested to head to our careers website for more information.
“As a result of our constant growth, we’re always looking for new staff .”
Meanwhile, 50 jobs could be on the way as part of plans to turn an empty unit in nearby Pallion Retail Park into a Go Outdoors store.
Its plans show it wants to install a mezzanine floor inside Unit 2 on the park so that it can display “bulky” items such as bikes and activity equipment.
Planning documents show the application refers to a unit which neighbours Iceland and Dunelm, in Woodbine Terrace, with 50 full-time or equivalent jobs to be created.