The Range to take Dorchester’s former Focus DIY store

Dorchester is set for another jobs boost with the opening of three new stores.

It is believed that home, leisure and garden chain The Range could be taking up the former Focus DIY store at the Great Western Industrial Centre.

The store has been lying empty since the DIY giant closed down in July last year.

Former staff initially attempted to revive the branch as an independent retailer.

The store’s former general manager Bob Foster and his management team had been attempting to secure investment to re-open the outlet, which closed after the chain went into administration.

They managed to secure sufficient funds but the bid was scuppered due to terms attached to the lease by administrators Ernst and Young.

President of the Chamber of Commerce Matt Pye said: “Any new business coming into the town is good and it’s all about employment.

“It’s all looking pretty positive in Dorchester.”

Source : Martin Lea – The Dorset Echo www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/9461947.Job_bonanza__Three_new_stores_will_be_boost_for_Dorchester/