POLITICAL leaders in Workington have welcomed the news that a major national chain will soon set up shop in the town centre - and said it could have a 'significant' economic impact on the area.

Last Thursday, January 26 the Times & Star exclusively revealed that major department store TK Maxx will open in Workington this summer, signing a 15-year lease for a new 22,500 sq ft store in the former Debenhams building in Washington Square.

TK Maxx has signed the new lease for the ground and part first floors of the former Debenhams store in west Cumbria’s 'leading retail destination'. It is set to open this summer.

Work to convert the space to meet TK Maxx’s requirements has begun, enabling the remaining areas of the three-storey building to be used for leisure, civic or other retail uses.

Cumberland Council Leader Mark Fryer said he believes that the news should have a 'pretty significant impact' on the town.

He said: “A national chain of that ilk can only be good news for the town. This is about jobs and trying to reinvigorate the town centre, which is extremely difficult in the current economic circumstances and the way people are shopping online.

“I personally try and shop, and spend in my own town centre. I’ve walked the length and breadth of Carlisle, Workington and Whitehaven in the last six to twelve month and took on board the issues by talking to people in those three main shopping towns – and many of the issues are similar.

“We will be working alongside others to try and help to reinvigorate and develop out our towns and city centre.

“This should have a pretty significant impact and I sincerely hope it does - chains like TK Maxx bring in others to trade alongside side, this should be positive, it should be viewed as positive, and I wish them every success.”

READ MORE: Major international retailer confirms it will take on new store in town centre

Workington MP Mark Jenkinson has also welcomed the news. He said: "I think it's fantastic to see commitment from TK Maxx who I know have been looking to move to Workington for a few years.

"It's good that we have finally got there and I am working with TK Maxx on recruitment to maximise the potential for my constituents and ensure everyone is aware of the oppurtunities on offer.

"Town centres are changing and we need to embrace that change in a way that means our town centres can remain open and vibrant."

The building has stood empty since Debenhams closed its doors in May 2020, when the department store chain was plunged into administration nationally.

READ MORE: High Street retailer set to move to former Debenhams, Workington