Telford’s former Woolworths store is all ready to be transformed into the first of a new national chain of shops and will create more than 30 jobs in the town.

The 10,000 sq ft site at Telford Shopping Centre will be home to hub, a one-stop-shop for household items as well as a range of other merchandise.

The new chainstore is being launched by Shropshire entrepreneur Dave Dodd, the co-founder and former chief executive of Poundland.

Mr Dodd has chosen the town where he has lived for more than 20 years to launch hub, the first of more than 200 stores nationwide.

His plan is to establish the chain as a new household name and national brand by providing “quality, on-trend merchandise” including household items, hardware, homeware, kitchenware, garden, leisure, sport and computer items.

The store will also stock stationery, gadgets, novelty, greetings cards, electrical, toys, snacks, drinks, confectionery, home furnishings and fashion accessories.

The hub store at Telford will be the first of 30 new openings in the next two years and sees one of the last remaining former Woolworths stores now occupied.

Mr Dodd said hub would grow rapidly during 2011 and beyond.

“I have lived in the Telford area for more than 20 years and the development of the town centre during that time has been amazing.

“Telford is a great location, easy to get to by car and public transport and has excellent parking facilities.

“It’s particularly rewarding to be able to launch hub in my home town and I look forward to our new store establishing strong links with the local community and becoming a ke­y attraction in the town centre.”