A HOME and garden superstore says it would create 140 new jobs if given permission to open a branch in Hereford.
The Range, which has 69 branches across the UK, has earmarked the former Homebase unit on Three Elms Road.
The firm says there is no other store in Herefordshire matching the items it sells which include furniture, leisure items, DIY and pet products.
Applicants CDS (Superstores International) Ltd – trading as The Range – describes its fare as “midprice home and garden products” and “entirely different” to department store John Lewis.
According to planning documents submitted to Herefordshire Council this week, CDS has secured a lease from Homebase to occupy the store, subject to planning permission.
“This is some good news for Hereford among the backdrop of retail chain administrations recently including Jessops and Blockbusters,” said Mike Ashton, chief executive of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.
“Importantly it is creating jobs in the town at this challenging time, showing confidence in the city and county.”
