Old Woolworths store taken over by pound shop
IT WAS once famous for its one penny sweets but now Poundland is moving in.
The derelict former Woolworths building in London Road, Waterlooville, is set to be taken over by a cut price chain store.
Poundland will be opened at the end of the month by a soap actor, bringing much-needed jobs to the area.
Around 30 local people have been employed at the shop which is in the centre of the high street.
Councillor Ray Bastin, from Havant Borough Council, welcomed the news.
He said: 'Obviously I would have loved for Woolworths to be there, as most people would, but there is nothing we can do about that.
'The shop has been empty for a long time and the fact that it is going to be used is wonderful news.
'It is a massive store in a very prominent position in the centre of the shopping precinct so it was a big blow when Woolworths went.
'This is brilliant news and when it opens it will inspire more confidence in the area and hopefully encourage others to open up there too.'
The large shop has been empty since January 2009 when historic Woolworths finally went bankrupt.
Builders have knocked it through making one huge space which has impressed Waterlooville Business Association secretary Janet Johnston.
She said: 'I think it will bring a lot of people to the area and a lot of people will be glad there is somewhere cheaper around.
'They've knocked it right through and put pillars up and it looks very good. They've almost doubled the size of the place.'
Poundland has more than 280 stores across Europe and sells toiletry products, including named brands, all for 1 each.
Poundland's trading director David Coxon said: 'Poundland has grown significantly over the past year and it's fantastic to see this expansion continuing with a new store in Waterlooville.
'Opening here will create new jobs and a great shopping experience for the local community.
'We have been satisfying shoppers for 20 years so we're confident the savvy shoppers in this area will also be delighted by the amazing value that Poundland offers.'
Although an opening date has not been set yet Mr Coxon promised a soap star would be there at the grand opening later this month.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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