HOME Bargains in Christchurch is to undergo an expansion which will see it almost “double in size”.

The popular business in Christchurch Retail Park will close its doors on Saturday 4 June as it prepares to expand into the neighbouring unit.

The changes will see the Home Bargains store closed until September.

A spokesperson for the business said: “The expansion of the Home Bargains Christchurch store will see the site almost double in size, opening up jobs for the local community and bolstering the region’s economy.

“We are looking forward to welcoming shoppers back in September for even more top brands at bottom prices!”

Read more: Home Bargains in Christchurch to be extended

Home Bargains, which has more than 540 UK stores employing more than 25,000 staff, is said to be one of the fastest growing discount retailers in the UK.

The planning application submitted for the Christchurch store outlined an expansion into the neighbouring unit, the former Harveys and Bensons for Beds store, which has been vacant ever since the company went into administration.

The company had said a larger Christchurch store would fit better with its business model, and whilst they had looked at other sites in the town, they were unable to find anything suitable.

Once completed the expanded Home Bargains store will have around 70 full and part-time jobs.

The plans also will also allow for the sale of a wider range of goods, including a limited range food and drink, clothing and footwear.

A statement submitted before the application was approved said: “The proposals will secure the long-term occupation of [the unit] and will allow Home Bargains to upsize into an amalgamated adjoining vacant unit.

"The proposal will result in an increase depth within the existing product ranges.”

The effect will be to more than double the space available to Home Bargains although the removal of the mezzanine floor in the empty unit will result in an combined loss of 680square metres of retail floorspace.