TK?Maxx to open new store in Shrewsbury

The shop is to take over the space previously used by Focus DIY on the Meole Brace Retail Park in Shrewsbury, which has been empty for more than 12 months. It is expected to open in spring next year, but a spokesman for the company said there were no details yet on how many jobs would be created.

They said details on the number of staff being recruited would be confirmed closer to the stores opening date.

The High Street giant already has a store in the town's Darwin Shopping Centre and in the Forge Retail Park in Telford.

Evelyn Morton, for TK Maxx, said: "We will be opening a store in the retail park early next year. The opening date is to be confirmed."

Councillor Jon Tandy, who represents Bayston Hill, Column and Sutton, said he was delighted to hear the business would be moving in.

"It is great. The more companies that come into Shrewsbury, the better. Having more choice for people has got to be a good thing," he said.

"It is great news for Shrewsbury that we are going to have two TK Maxx shops and it is great to know the shop is going to be used again. The sooner they move in, the better."

Administrators Ernst & Young announced in May 2011 that the Shrewsbury Focus DIY store was due to close, along with the branches in Newport and Newtown which led to the loss of 51 jobs.

Rival firms of Focus DIY acquired 55 of their stores, safeguarding up to 900 jobs, but the Shrewsbury shop was left unsold and closed soon after.

TK Maxx launched in the UK in 1994 and now has more than 230 stores across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The shop specialises in designer brands at reduced prices.

By Chris Burn