Discount chain The Range to open new superstore in Wolverhampton's Homebase - here's what we know
Discount retailer The Range is opening a new store on the edge of Wolverhampton city centre - and hopes to have it ready in time for Christmas.
The chain has begun converting the former Homebase at St John's Retail Park into one of its large format stores, taking in the neighbouring former Next branch as well.
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The Express & Star revealed in September that the retailer was looking to reopen at the retail park, and work has now begun.
A source said the chain was hoping to have the store open to the public by December 22.
The building has been empty since Homebase closed in January, after the chain was placed in administration.
In November last year, The Range's parent company, CDS Superstores, bought the Homebase brand, website and 49 stores to convert to 'The Range', safeguarding about 1,500 jobs. The Wolverhampton store, though, was not among the branches that were saved.
However, it is understood that the company, which also bought the Wilko brand, has decided to add the site to its portfolio.
Marks & Spencer, which closed its store in Wolverhampton city centre in September after 96 years in the town, had also been linked with the site. But it was reported as having ruled it was too small for a proposed food store, and was now looking at the former Banks's brewery site instead.
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