BUDGET fashion giant New Look is to triple the size of its presence and create dozens of new jobs in Southampton's WestQuay by taking on the vast former Waitrose shop.

It's just the latest low cost clothing chain to open a massive shop in Southampton.

At 28,000 square feet it's more than twice the size of the new city centre branch of rival brand Peacocks, itself one of the biggest chains in the country.

Meanwhile discount designer name TK Maxx is to take over the 22,500 sq ft Woolworths store in Above Bar when it pulls out later this year.

Now Primark, Peacocks, TK Maxx, New Look, Ethel Austin, Mark One and Matalan - all budget fashion - have a significant presence in Southampton.