A NEW homeware and garden store chain which is set to open in a former Workington department store could create 65 new jobs for people in the area.

Plans have been lodged for a number of modifications at the Dunmail Park Shopping Centre in Workington by CDS (Superstores International) Ltd, the parent company for The Range.

The shopping centre owners confirmed earlier this month that the national chain store would occupy the former Dixons Home Store and four other units, previously occupied by Wallis, Dorothy Perkins and Burtons.

The plans, which have been lodged with Cumberland council, include the 'erection of 3m high fence to form an external garden centre, construction of enclosed warehouse yard to include siting of cold storage containers, and external alterations to enable amalgamation of units, including the provision of a new servicing and delivery yard'.

According to documents, the cafe which has been operating in the former Dixons unit for the last few year, will be kept by the Range - as well as the addition of the outside garden centre onto the side of the building.

The application says that the company owning the Range have been looking for an appropriate facility in Workington for a 'number of years', with the Dunmail Park site providing the correct space.

The store is estimated to generate 65 new jobs in the area according to the plans, with 42 full-time equivalent positions 'due to the mix of part-time and full-time positions, which create more flexibility for colleagues and the company'.

The company say that the level of job creation is 'undoubtedly significant'. Documents supporting the application said: "Job opportunities within the store would be across a range of skills. In addition to jobs within the store itself, other employment opportunities will be created.

"These include jobs created by the store fit out and merchandising of the store, together with the involvement in the future maintenance and security of the retail unit; cleaners and security guards."

Plans were validated by Cumberland council on October 24 and will now go through a consultation process with the authority.