A NEW anchor retailer is set to move into a Hampshire shopping centre, creating 40 new jobs, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Discount retailer B&M will take over the ground and part first floor of the former BHS unit in Fareham Shopping Centre on a new 10 year lease.

Customers will be able to find a wide variety of branded products including toys, food & drink, pet ranges, health & beauty and homewares in the new store.

Chris Beckerman, Managing Director of Roubaix Group, said: “Bringing B&M to Fareham is fantastic and, alongside our other work to secure new occupiers, we’re seeing the results of all of our hard work.  We’re delighted to bring in a fresh, new brand like B&M.”

A B&M spokeswoman added: “We’re feeling really positive about the creation of even more jobs for local people and we hope customers are going to be delighted with their new store.  We are really looking forward to opening our doors to customers early next year.”

BHS's Fareham was one of 164 stores which closed last year after it collapsed into administration. 

Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council said: "I am very pleased that B&M is to open a store in Fareham Shopping Centre. 

"The loss of BHS was keenly felt by Fareham shoppers and I know that B&M will provide a very positive lift to that end of the shopping centre plus the bonus of dozens of new jobs for Fareham people."

Alongside this, the shopping centre has also successfully managed existing and new occupiers to ensure the shopping centre retains high footfall rates and provides the main retail heart for the town.

The news had been welcomed by the local chamber of commerce, which itself is based in Fareham.

Mark Baulch, head of policy and representation at Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, pictured, said: “We welcome the news of a new retailer adding to the already exciting offer that the town has for visitors and residents alike.

“We are pleased to see that the town continues to retain existing High Street brands as well as attracting new names and opportunities for a good number of additional jobs.”

The new retailer will open for business at the end of the year.

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