Discount homewares and furniture retailer The Range has revealed plans to open in Chelmsford, creating one of its largest stores.

The Range will be opening the new 80,000sqft store on Chelmsford High Street, taking over from the former Debenhams space.

It is understood that refurbishment works will start early next year with plans to officially open the store during the summer of 2023. Hundreds of new jobs are expected to be created.

The new store will become its flagship store in the region and will also be The Range’s sixth store in Essex.

In a statement, the company said: “We are really pleased to confirm that shoppers in Chelmsford will have access to The Range’s exceptional product offering next year and be first to visit our flagship store in the South.”

“This acquisition represents a huge investment and is a hugely important part of our expansion plans. Its high street location and car parking facility was a key factor in securing this unit to help accelerate our growth plans for the business.”