High street retailer Home Bargains plans new store launch in Chorley

However, if the new outlet goes ahead it leaves question marks over the future of two existing stores – Curry’s/PC World and Carpetright – in the town.

Liverpool-based TJ Morris, the owner of Home Bargains, has submitted plans to Chorley Council for the redevelopment of two units on the Alliance Retail Park on the Chorley by pass at Water Street that are currently occupied by tenants Curry’s and Carpetright.

The proposed scheme will include the refurbishment, amalgamation and extension of the two retail units.

It is understood TJ Morris has acquired the freehold to the site.

Information accompanying the application states that Curry’s and Carpetright are reaching the end of their lease.

TJ Morris was established more than 40 years ago by Tom Morris who opened his first store in Liverpool.

The business has grown to become one of the biggest privately owned companies in the UK and currently employs over 22,000 members of staff.

Home Bargains is also one of the UK’s fastest growing discount retailers.

The business currently has more than 500 stores throughout the UK and plans to expand to over 1,000 stores employing over 40,000 staff.

Home Bargains operates within the discount, or value, retail sector. Its strap line is “Top Brands – Bottom Prices”.

Home Bargains’ range includes health and beauty products, medicines, baby products, household products, toys and games, pet food, home furnishings and ornaments, seasonal products, ancillary food and drink products and a clothing range.

The planning application says the proposed works at the units will allow the building to be refurbished to a high standard in order to accommodate Home Bargains, “who have a pressing need to strengthen their offer in Chorley”.

It says the proposed new store will create a number of full-time and part-time job opportunities.

Many of these jobs will be available to local people.

In addition to jobs within the store itself, other employment opportunities will be created.

These would include jobs created by the store fit out and merchandising the store, and jobs involved within the future maintenance and security of retail units such as cleaners and security guards.

Minor changes are proposed to the existing car park layout.

A total of 87 car parking spaces are proposed consisting of 76 standard spaces, five accessible spaces, four parent and child spaces; and eight staff

spaces. This is an increase of three. parking spaces.

A total of 10 cycle spaces will also be provided at the front of the unit.

Home Bargains has stores in a number of neighbouring towns including Preston, Wigan, Blackburn and Bolton

TJ Morris declined to comment on the proposed scheme.

A spokesperson for Dixons Carphone, the owner of Currys said: “While we can never say never to future changes for a store, we don’t currently have any plans to close our Currys PC World with Carphone Warehouse 3-in-1 store in Chorley.”

A Carpetright spokesperson said: “Our lease does expire towards the end of 2021, but we are keen to continue trading from our current site. If Home Bargains are successful in securing planning consent, then it is possible they may force us to vacate.

“We hope this will not be the case.”