THE RANGE has unveiled plans to move into Weymouth’s Debenhams building and create 80 jobs as the struggling retail chain winds down its business.
Debenhams, based on New Bond Street, is among more than 100 branches closing down across the country due to the company’s collapse.
But it appears the prominent town centre building may have a new tenant soon after Debenhams shuts its doors, with The Range unveiling proposals to move into the site.
Iceland will also be moving into the building, according to the plans.
The Range is a budget department store that sells a mixture of branded and non-branded items, including home, garden, electrical and leisure products.
The company has submitted advertising consent to Dorset Council to install a number of branded signs around the building and on its entrances, replacing the existing Debenhams signage.
The computer-generated sketches appear to show a mixture of projected signs and adverts, including signs for Iceland, which will also be based within the building, as well as a café.
Iceland confirmed the moves as part of its ‘agreed strategic alliance’ with The Range.
A spokeswoman for The Range said the moves would create around 80 jobs.
She said: “I can confirm that we are planning to open a new store in Weymouth, however at present, we do not have any confirmation of a launch date.
“The store will be spread over two floors and will have a family café. It will offer products across 16 departments from home furnishings and accessories to arts and crafts and pet care.”
“I can confirm that 80 new roles will be created at the new store. There will be a mixture of full and part-time positions available from Store to Department Managers to Warehouse Staff and Retail Assistants.
“Jobs will be advertised through the local job centre once an opening date has been confirmed.”
The Range has a number of branches across Dorset, with the nearest store based on Great Western Industrial Centre in Dorchester.
Costa, which is currently based on the ground floor of the New Bond Street building, appears to be pictured within the plans but its future is unclear amid Debenham’s demise.
A spokeswoman previously told Dorset Echo: “We remain in close contact with Debenhams and will be updating team members as soon as we have any further information to share.
“We are grateful to our team in Weymouth for their ongoing support and commitment to their store and their customers during a very unsettling time.”
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