JOHN Lewis has announced plans to build a multi-million pound store in Worcester as part of a major shopping complex which could create about 1,000 jobs.
The department store wants to open an £7million ‘at home’ shop by 2017 on Land Securities’ proposed new retail park off Newtown Road.
The store, which would be the city’s first and generate more than 100 jobs, will offer a range of furniture, furnishing accessories, electrical and home technology over two floors. There will also be dedicated area for the company’s ‘Click and Collect’ service where customers will be pick up items bought on John Lewis’ website.
Andy Street, managing director at John Lewis, which currently has ten at home shops across the country, said: “Worcester has long been a sought after destination for us, and I am delighted that we have now found an opportunity to bring John Lewis to the city.
“We believe the opening of a John Lewis at home in Worcester will offer customers in the local area a broader, modern, more convenient shopping offer.
“We look forward to becoming part of the local community and hope to add to the city’s growing success.”
Next, Sainsbury’s and Marks and Spencer (M&S) have also unveiled proposals to build stores as part of the multi-million pound scheme, which is expected to be submitted to Worcester City Council “in the coming months”.
If it is given the go-ahead, it would be the second M&S store to be built in the city, which would feature the company’s non food product range and a food hall. They are offering to bring 200 jobs, while Sainsbury’s are planning to create up to 300 positions as they are also looking to build a petrol station on the site.
Finally, Next are proposing to build a store, which would generate more than 100 jobs and would offer fashion and accessories as well as furniture and homeware.
Nick Duffield, Portfolio Director for Land Securities, believes the retail park, which would feature more than 1,000 parking spaces and about 70 cycle spaces, will be great for Worcester.
“This is fantastic news for the city and a very exciting story,” he added. It will be very well designed and it provides great job creation. It will also make very good use of a site which has been allocated for development.”
