DIY store creates 60 jobs

A new DIY superstore is opening in Kidderminster at the end of the week, bringing 60 jobs to the town.

Homebase bosses announced today that it will open the 40,000 sq ft store on the site of the former Focus DIY store in Spennells Valley Road, Spennells, on Friday.

It includes a large garden centre employing full-time and part-time staff and follows news that a new Morrisons store will open in the historic StourVale Mills complex, Green Street, Kidderminster.

The redevelopment is expected to be completed in the autumn and will offer 350 full-time and part-time positions.

Kidderminster Harriers captain Stuart Whitehead and assistant manager Neil Howarth have been invited to cut the ribbon on the new Homebase along with staff member Deborah Reed, who has been with the firm 27 years.

Store manager, Ben Hancocks said: "We are thrilled to have our team with us to celebrate the opening. It makes our exciting launch even more memorable.

"It's been a lot of hard work and the new store shows off the very best of our new ranges. We look forward to seeing Kidderminster residents in our store."

Staff have also pledged to raise money for the firm's chosen charity, Marie Curie Cancer Care, to add to more than £600,000 already raised by staff throughout the country.

Homebase is the UK's second largest home improvement retailer and has more than 310 large, out-of-town stores throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.

It plans to add to its store chain with around 15 new branches a year.