Home Bargains submits plans for former Focus store in Lancaster

Plans to convert a former DIY store into a new Home Bargains shop will go before Lancaster City Council later this month.

The discount retail giant wants to turn the empty Focus Do It All unit on Westgate into their second Morecambe store.

Home Bargains already has a shop in Euston Road and in Marketgate shopping centre, Lancaster. These will remain open.

The new store would create 70 new full-time jobs.

Home Bargains have said it would give rise to £5m investment in the local area.

The plans include a car park with 117 spaces.

Focus moved out in 2011 after the DIY chain entered administration, with the loss of 25 local jobs.

The Westgate building has remained vacant ever since. It would be demolished and rebuilt under the new plans.

TJ Morris, whose motto is to ‘sell the best branded products at the lowest possible price’, was set up 35 years ago when retailer Tom Morris opened his first store in Liverpool, where Home Bargains’ head office is still based.

Council officers have recommended that planning permission be granted.

The council planning committee – made up of Lancaster city councillors – will meet to make a final decision on Monday, October 19 at Lancaster Town Hall at 10.30am.

Source : The Visitor
www.thevisitor.co.uk/news/local/talks-due-on-home-bargains-plans-for-second-morecambe-store-1-7503697