Giant Next starts to take shape

A huge new Next store in Stafford is nearing completion.

The former B&Q warehouse on the site was demolished to make way for the new men's and women's fashion store which will be on two levels.

The development will also include a homeware section of 1,175sg ft.

There will be 4,010 sq ft of womenswear, 2,223 sq ft of menswear and 1,706 sq ft of children'swear.

Next has said the store is due to open in August but has not yet revealed how many jobs will be created. A similar sized Next store in Stoke-on-Trent created 80 jobs.

The company has said it is "committed" to its existing store in Foregate Street in Stafford town centre.

* B&Q opened a new base at the Hough Retail Park to replace its old store.

A new hotel and two restaurants have just been given the go-ahead at the retail park which will bring around 80 jobs to the town.

Planning officers have passed proposals for the £5.5 million scheme to build a Travelodge, Pizza Hut and KFC.

Developer Liberty Mercian intends to start work on the project in around two months.