Discount giant B&M is opening a massive new store and garden centre in Widnes, with new jobs also set to be created.

The company has announced it will be making the move from its current site at Bowers Retail Park on Earle Road, to the now disused former Range site just accross the way on Dennis Road.

The current store will shut up shop for the final time next Wednesday, May 17, with the new one opening three days later on Saturday, May 20.

At 43,189 sq ft, the new premises will be much larger and will also have a  15,420sqft garden centre.

B&M originally lodged an application with Halton Council in April last year asking to be allowed to vary the planning condition at the building which was then being used by The Range. The plans were lodged before The Range had publicly announced plans to close, with the store - which had previously been occupied by B&Q - shutting on January 2.

The change of use meant it could expand the amount of floor space designated for selling food and drink, as well as offer more products. The company said at the time the move would see existing staff relocating to the new site and an additional 45 jobs being created, taking the total workforce to between 75-85 staff.

A planning statement submitted in support of the application at the time, said: “There is an urgent need to create job opportunities now particularly given the scale of shop closures nationally, both within town centre and in out of centre locations. Private investment is needed to secure employment growth and the government is relying on private sector investment to stimulate the economy.”

Speaking about the new launch, a B&M spokesman, said: “We wanted a bigger and better store for our customers, giving them even more big, branded products. We hope customers are going to be delighted with their new store, we’re really excited to get the doors open very soon.”