Telford House of Fraser store to expand

More than 50 jobs will be created after a Shropshire department store announced plans to expand.

Work has already started at House of Fraser, based in Telford Shopping Centre, to expand the shop floor by 3,500 sq ft by opening up store rooms. The retail giant is thought to have invested hundreds of thousands of pounds and it will see the arrival of new big names.

These will include the American giant Tommy Hilfinger, French Connection, and Miss Selfridge.

The store's general manager Gary Slattery said the project was an exciting development for the department store.

He said: "This is the most major refurbishment we have undertaken since the store opened seven years ago.

"As part of the development we're modernising the interior and introducing fantastic designer brands and high street names.

"This investment shows our continued faith and commitment to not only the store, but to the shopping centre and the town itself."

Mr Slattery said the revamp would create 50 positions at the store which are expected to be filled by September.

He also vowed there would be minimal disruption for shoppers during the works, which are due to finish by early September.

Rob Cossey, director of The Hark Group, owners of Telford Shopping Centre welcomed the news of the developments at House of Fraser.

Mr Cossey said: "This is great news for Telford and a huge vote of confidence for Telford Shopping Centre.

"As we continue to push forward plans for the growth of the town centre, this investment confirms the enthusiasm shared by our partners in creating the region's most desirable shopping and leisure destination."

By Paul Mannion