A home furnishing giant is opening a store in Kidderminster later this year which will create around 70 new jobs, it has been revealed.

Dunelm Mill has been looking at sites in the town for nearly a year but had been reluctant to confirm if it would open a store.

But bosses today said they were now “legally committed” to a development in Kidderminster and plan to be trading by late Autumn or early winter this year.

The store will open in Oxford Street and measure 26,000sq ft – making it one of the largest retailers in the town centre. It will be taking over the former Morrisons supermarket site which has been empty for years after the firm moved to new premises nearby.

Officials said it would be a flagship store for Dunelm Mill and will include new elements including a section which will sell bedroom furniture. There will also be a craft section.

Dunelm first expressed an interest in coming to the town last September and talks have been taking place since then. Spokesman John Olsen said: “This has been a while in coming but I can now say Dunelm Mill is legally committed to opening a new store in the town.

“The firm has been interested in Kidderminster for some time and we are pleased this scheme will now progress.”