THE empty Toys R Us store in Basildon could be brought back into use again after new plans were submitted.

The shop, in Southernhay, has been empty since the toy firm went out of business in 2018.

But Away Cheltenham has now put forward proposals to use the shop as an ‘urban’ storage facility, called Storeaway.

A change of use planning application has been submitted to Basildon Council this week and must be approved before changes can be made.

Planning documents state the new facility will largely serve residents in the town and businesses who need space for archiving, additional stock room space, furniture and IT storage.

The main entrance to the site would come via the rear service yard rather than the front entrance as this would be more convenient for customers moving items to and from the facility.

Echo:

Away Cheltenham says the majority of changes that would need to be made to the building will be internal, though some external work will be required.

A new mezzanine is proposed inside to create an additional level for storage, while a ramp would be created outside to provide disabled access.

Toys R Us had occupied the shop since 1985 before leaving four years ago.

The applicant says the change of use would help ensure it no longer remains empty.

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It added in its plans: “There has been no other commercial interest in the property since the unit closed.

“The building has been marketed continually since closure in 2018 for retail use and there has been no interest and therefore the building has become redundant and is at risk of further deterioration and obsolescence.”

New signs for the storage facility would be added to the outside of the building, however permission would need to come via a separate planning application.

The old Toys R Us shop sits within a larger building that also contains Sports Direct and is connected to a multi-storey car park.

Both would be unaffected by the proposals.