SOUTHEND’S former Primark shop could be taken over by furniture giant Dunelm as major plans were unveiled which could be a huge boost to shoppers and high street businesses.

The business is eyeing up the former Primark site in the Royals Shopping Centre in Southend High Street - with fresh plans now submitted to Southend Council.

Primark closed its base in the centre earlier this year as it moved into the huge former BHS Store in a prominent slot on Southend’s high street.

Marketed as the UK’s leading home furnishing retailer, Dunelm sells a huge range of items from bedding, curtains, furniture and beds to mattresses.

It’s also offering it’s latest festive furnishings and homeware to brighten up homes for Christmas too.

The major firm runs 169 large stores, three high street stores and over 100 in-store coffee shops, across the country.

Despite the Coronavirus pandemic, bosses insist the firm - which has been operating for more than 40 years - is going from strength to strength.

Business bosses and top councillors say it’ll be a huge and much needed boost to the town following a tough year for the retail sector.

Suzanne Gloyne, manager of Southend Business Improvement District said: “It would be a very positive step for our town if Dunelm were to set up shop in Southend.

“It is always great to see businesses of all sizes looking to invest in our town by taking up a unit, but especially positive when larger units continue to be let.

“If Dunelm were to locate in Southend then I am sure they and neighbouring businesses would see the benefit of increased footfall.

“We look forward to hearing howthis develops.”

Kevin Robinson, Labour councillor for tourism, business and culture said it’s a hugely promising sign to see major firms announcing plans for the town.

He said: “I think this is very encouraging to see a firm wants to take over the empty shop so quickly.

“It will also be good for the shopping centre and we want it to be successful too.

“I am fully aware of the situation with Debenhams, and while it’s all still up in the air I expect the store in the Royals to close soon.

“Any extra tennant in the centre is good for the town and I am sure Dunelm has looking into the opinions to ensure it will well for them.

“It’s also good to see the firm sees a future of the town centre and it will also be jobs for town which will be a very welcomed boost.

“It’s good to see a trader we haven’t had in the town before also and we would be just as keen on smaller businesses too.”

Shoppers were just as delighted to hear of the new retailer coming to town to help boost the high street, taking to social media in droves to voice their pleasure at the plans - insisting this is just the type of store Southend needs.

Del Thomas, 39, of Westcliff said: “With the lockdowns people N Concerns - councillor Matt Dent are looking at home improvements so Dunelm will be popular in the town.

“This is a good spot as it’s busy, has good footfall and close to the busy station.

“I think we would probably also shop there too.”

The Royals Shopping Centre and Dunelm refused to comment when contacted by the Echo.