The Range takes on B&Q unit in Southend

A HOME, leisure and garden store is being planned for the former B&Q site in Southend.

The boss of the Range, which sells furniture, furnishings, home ware and garden products, is keen to create another superstore on the derelict area in Short Street.

Politicians and business leaders have welcomed the application, and the 100-plus jobs it would bring, after Tesco scrapped its plans for a £50million superstore there.

Founder Chris Dawson said: “Southend is the perfect location for us as a company.



“We are very much looking forward to the new store opening and it will be great to show our Southend customers the great quality and value products we offer.”

Dawn Jeakings, manager of the Royals Shopping Centre, said: “It’s very good news and we are looking forward to having another addition to the town.

“It will increase footfall, too.

"I’m the other end of the High Street, but if it increases footfall by five to ten per cent it’s a good thing.”

Source : David Trayner – SouthendStandard.co.uk
www.southendstandard.co.uk/news/southend/10611542.New_Range_store_to_boost_jobs_in_Southend/