A home and fashion retailer is set to open its doors this week at a retail park close to Southend Airport as bosses have revealed the official opening date.

Next will be opening on Wednesday, as the business takes over the former Oak Furniture Land shop at the Airport Retail Park, in Rochford Road.

The furniture shop has remained vacant since the business closed in August 2020.

As part of the plans, a Costa Coffee concession will also open within the Next store.

A ribbon-cutting and official opening will commence on Wednesday at 10am.

Mike Steptoe, councillor responsible for Roche South ward, welcomed Next to the area.

He said: “It is fantastic news to hear that Next are coming in and opening this week.

“I think it will be very popular among our residents. I expect it will do very well. It is always good to fill a vacant unit up too.

“The Airport Retail Park has always been very popular, and the businesses do well there. So, it is positive news.”

Plans were given the green light by Rochford Council in March.

The store opening hours will be from 9am to 8pm on Mondays through to Saturdays. On Sundays, it will be open between 10am and 4:30pm.

Next say the opening will generate 36 jobs in the area and serves as the only fashion retailer on the park.

Trading off 12600 square feet, across all key departments including womenswear, menswear, kids' wear and home, and a Costa Coffee concession.

The Airport Retail Park consists of nine retail units, including businesses such as Pets at Home, Home Bargains, McDonald's, and Argos.

Customers will still be able to shop at the existing Victoria Plaza store, alongside the new and exciting addition at Airport Retail Park.

Catherine Lehane, store manager at Next, said: "This is a very exciting time within the business, and we can't wait to open up to all of our new, eager shoppers.

“I feel privileged to be opening this new store and feel confident that it will be a great addition to the retail park, as well as to Southend."