A FORMER DIY store could be turned into a clothing and homeware shop in a move that would create 70 jobs.

Plans are under way to bring a joint TK Maxx and HomeSense store to Hedge End on the site of the former Wickes branch with a £4 million refurbishment.

If approved proposals would see the premises re-let to American retailer TJX Europe, which owns the TK Maxx clothing stores and HomeSense homeware stores. It would be the first joint store of its kind in England.

The Daily Echo understands it is hoped that the store could be open by the middle of next year.

Wickes relocated to a nearby site in Manaton Way in April.

Daily Echo:

The former Wickes store at Hedge End

Site owner Friends Life Ltd has applied to Eastleigh Borough Council to vary the planning permission conditions of the site in order to widen the range of goods it can sell to enable TK Maxx and HomeSense to move in.

Friends Life Ltd has reached an agreement for TJX Europe to take a lease on the site if these planning applications are agreed.

The TK Maxx store would sell cut-price men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, shoes, accessories and toys while HomeSense will sell homeware, including for the bathroom, bedroom, dining room and kitchen. TK Maxx has 287 stores across the UK. It already has stores in Southampton, Eastleigh and Fareham, which the application says run successfully and that there is no intention to shut any of these stores. It would be the first HomeSense store in south Hampshire.

If planning permission is granted TJX Europe would agree to continue trading in Eastleigh town centre until 2021.

The application states the store will provide around 70 jobs – even more around the Christmas period – with up to 47 full-time posts and that TJX Europe has agreed to recruit locally.

The store, which has a floorspace of 4,258sq m, expects to make a turnover of £8.3 million, the application states.

A consultation on the plans runs until November 21 with a decision expected by council planners in the next few months.

Council leader Keith House said: “This is good news for shoppers in the Hedge End and wider area, who will not have to travel so far to get to TK Maxx. And not only that, the launch of HomeSense will provide competition for M&S and Next and other stores, too.

“The old Wickes site needs a new retailer and this combination looks to be perfect.”

Daily Echo: Council leader Keith House

Eastleigh Council leader Keith House

Ward councillor Louise Bloom said: “There has been rumours and certainly residents that have spoken to me have been pleased and want to see more shopping in Hedge End. 70 jobs is clearly good news.”

Deborah Dolce, spokesman for TK Maxx and HomeSense, confirmed the proposal, adding: “This would be one of the first combined stores in the country and we would be pleased to become part of the community.”