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Double boost as stores plan Woolies move
DOZENS of jobs will be created as two new stores have been earmarked for the former Woolworths site in South Shields.
The King Street store is set to be split into two separate shops.
It has been confirmed that Poundland is to move into one unit, while it is understood that clothing retailer Primark will move into the other.
Poundland – which is the largest fixed-price value retailer in the country – has confirmed it will open next month and take on about 30 workers, and has offered to employ former Woolworths' workers.
A spokesman said: "The new Poundland store will offer local shoppers amazing value on many top brands. Everything is just 1, and to offer even more value there are always plenty of bargains to be had.
"Poundland looks forward to welcoming the South Shields shoppers when they open next month."
A planning application by Danish company Asschenfeldt Invest A/S is expected to be given the go ahead by South Tyneside Council on September 16.
Coun John Anglin, Labour representative for Beacon and Bents, which included the town centre, is delighted with the plans.
He said: "It's absolutely fantastic news, we have been waiting and waiting for this.
"The store is a prime site and once this is filled then hopefully a knock-on effect will take place and the old Asda will be occupied and we can then do something with the car park.
"If there is to be a Primark built, I'm sure the people of South Tyneside will be over the moon, so many have come to me saying this is what they'd like to see."
The proposals also state the basements, mezzanine and second floors – of both stores – will be sealed off as there's no demand for the space in the current market. There will, however, be scope to use these should demand change.
This week workmen could be seen covering up the original frontage of the shop – which closed in December after serving the town since 1921.
Coun Anglin now hopes the new additions could mean the end of the recession is in sight.
He added: "This means King Street is still alive and people are putting their money where their mouth is. Hopefully this is the beginning of a recovery and a sign the recession is starting to ease."
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
