PLANS to create 250 new jobs at Runcorn Shopping Centre have been unveiled, The World can exclusively reveal.

A retailer, whose name is being kept under wraps, is lined up to move into the empty Tesco store and employ 100 people.

Around 110 workers lost their jobs when the supermarket closed in April.

A dozen other shops are set to open by the end of the year.

It comes as a bid to launch a new Runcorn retail improvement district to regenerate 300 businesses in the old and new town is about to take off.

Karl Clawley, Runcorn Shopping Centre manager said: “We are in the process of creating 250 jobs.

“We are in talks with a big named retailer to open in the old Tesco unit late summer.

“After all the doom and gloom of Tesco, Homebase and B&Q closing, this is a big positive message.

“By Christmas, we will have 70 retailers and be fully let.”

The post office moved back into its former unit at the centre on Friday after losing its home when Tesco closed.

A one-stop skills shop is opening to give the unemployed a chance to enhance their job opportunities.

Mr Clawley said: “We will help people to improve their interview techniques, and cover all the areas needed by retailers, merchandising, customer service, cash handling and delivery.

“Some of the Tesco staff had worked at the store for a long time.

“We want to give them the best possible opportunity for re-employment.

“We will speak to every individual and see how job ready they are.”

Another innovative project is giving people who have developed new products at home the chance to test their ideas.

An empty unit has been converted into ‘boxes’ for people to trial products for a weekly or daily peppercorn rent.

Mr Clawley said: “We’ve got one lady who makes cakes and fudge, another who sells shabby chic furniture and one who produces baby cot bumpers.

“We will do all the marketing and pay the electricity bills.

“This will give them an opportunity to try their wares.”

The centre is also spearheading a drive to encourage retailers and businesses across Runcorn to deliver a five year private sector led investment programme.

The business improvement district aims to boost footfall, make the shopping areas safer, lower costs through group deals and enhance the town’s image.

Mr Clawley added: “It’s about engaging the old town and new town to come together and revive the place.

“We can organise big events and help each other.

“We want to re-brand Runcorn as a place to visit.

“We have to be ready for 2017 when the new bridge opens.

“We want people to come into the town.

“It’s a really exciting time for us.”