A former Woolworths store that has been empty for more than a year is to be given a new lease of life.
The shop in Cosham High Street has just been bought by Alworths, a new chain set up by former employees of Woolworths.
It will open on February 12 and create 30 jobs for the area.
One of those will be Ray Weeks, a former Woolworths manager who lives in Portsmouth and has previously worked in the Cosham store.
The 45-year-old of Newcome Road, said: 'It is absolutely brilliant - it is like coming home!.
'I worked for Woolworths for 23 years and started in Southsea as a stockroom lad.
'I was told about a week ago and it is a great start to 2010.
'I was working in a supermarket but this was an opportunity I couldn't miss.'
Mr Weeks hopes to recruit some of the former Woolworths team to the new store.
He added: 'It will be nice to see some familiar faces if they are still looking for jobs.
'The store will be familiar but different, and we hope to get involved more in the community.'
Tory Cosham councillor Terry Henderson says the plans were the best news for Cosham he has had this year.
He said: 'I am absolutely delighted. It will bring employment to the area as well as new customers.
'Cosham High Street needs the move and it is a move in the right direction. This is the best news so far in 2010 for the regeneration of the High Street. We need to celebrate.'
The store will have a similar premise to Woolworths, selling toys, sweets, homeware, stationery and garden products.
Daryn Brewer, chairman of Cosham Business Association and owner of Brewers Estate Agents, also welcomed the news. He said: 'I think it is a fantastic move forward for Cosham High Street.
'It is very encouraging in a time of recession.'
But the arrival of Alworths is tempered by bad news for staff of another shop.
A much-loved clothing store on the High Street has moved a step closer to shutting - despite a 160-signature petition opposing its closure.
The five staff at Select store are likely to be made redundant, if the store's landlord Arrowcroft JB accepts a proposal to close the store and allow Costa coffee to move in instead.
The change of use was given a provisional green light by officers from Portsmouth City Council, and as long as no councillors object to the plans it can go ahead.
Store manager Becky Colwell, 41, from Knightwood Avenue, Havant, said: 'I've been here six years, and I'm gutted really, I do feel put out that the company aren't telling us more.' Arrowcroft did not comment.
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