A Homebase store in Gateshead that had previously been earmarked for closure will remain open - but the company is planning to half the size of the shop.
The DIY chain has put forward plans to split its current store on Gateshead’s Team Valley in two, leaving it with a smaller shop.
Homebase’s Team Valley site was one of 42 stores that were earmarked for closure back in August 2018 as part of plans to reduce costs across the business. The restructuring was planned under a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), which allows businesses to reduce their costs by renegotiating rents with landlords and shutting stores.
At the time the company said it was planning to close its Gateshead store, but later told customers it would remain open.
Now a new planning application submitted to Gateshead Council shows that Homebase has chosen to keep the site open but has put forward plans to reduce the size of the store.
Under the plans, the large retail unit would be split into two allowing a new retailer to move into the new space. The planning application was submitted by Savills Estate Agents.
In the application, Savills said: “The proposed changes are considered to make a positive contribution to the site and the wider Team Valley Retail World.
“The changes will facilitate the subdivision of the unit to enable the existing occupier, Homebase, to downsize and a new tenant to occupy the other new unit. It will improve the functionality of the units in-line with tenant requirements, and are therefore considered to be positive improvements.”
Homebase will keep its popular garden centre, although a new warehouse will be built towards the rear.
It is unknown which company may move into the new unit, or whether a new tenant has been found at all.
Slight changes to Retail World’s car park will also be made to accommodate the new retailer and the installation of an additional pedestrian crossing has also been proposed to help people safely access the new shop.
Team Valley Retail World has suffered from a number of shop closures over the last few years as companies battle against the tough retail climate. Clothing retailer Next shut its long-standing store on the site last year, while Gap elected to shut its nearby outlet store.
