50 new jobs as Home Bargains set to take over Shrewsbury's former Toys R Us store
Shrewsbury's former Toys R Us store looks set to become an outlet for Home Bargains, creating 50 new jobs.
An application has been made to Shropshire Council by Quod, on behalf of TJ Morris LTD, for permission to convert the vacant building at Meole Brace Retail Park into a new store.
Home Bargains already has two shops in Shrewsbury, in Abbey Foregate and the Pride Hill Shopping Centre.
In a design statement submitted to the council's planning department, Quod said: "Despite difficult trading conditions within the retail sector, demand does exist from HB who have purchased the freehold and are looking to strengthen their existing representation in Shrewsbury.
"In addition to improving choice to the benefit of shoppers, the proposals will also contribute positively to the local area through the creation of around 50 new jobs and the re-occupation of a unit that would otherwise remain vacant and be economically inactive.
Opportunities
"The majority of these job opportunities will be available to local people. Job opportunities within the store will be across a range of scales. In addition to jobs within the store itself, other employment opportunities will be created.
"These would include jobs created by the store fit out and merchandising the store, and jobs involved within the future maintenance and security of retail units."
The company wants permission to expand the range of goods sold in the old toy shop, including about a third of the floorspace being given over to the sale of food and drink.
TJ Morris was established in Liverpool 35 years ago by Tom Morris, and is now one of the biggest privately-owned companies in the UK employing more than 8,000 people.
