A NEW Debenhams store at Cheshire Oaks will bring 150 new jobs to Ellesmere Port in 2013.

Planning applications were agreed last week for the creation of the proposed department store on The Coliseum at two vacant units currently occupied by First Choice Holiday Supermarket and the JJB Clearance Outlet.

The units are to be amalgamated into a two-storey extension which will include a cafe, rear parking and a first-floor/mezzanine.

Alterations have also been proposed to parking on the shopping park itself.

It means the total amount of floor space of the store would be almost 5,600sq m, according to a report.

The development would lead to the loss of 71 car parking spaces outside the store but planners have said  changes to the front car park will enable most of these to be replaced.

The report says the store has committed to a 20-year lease subject to approval of the applications.

It is to offer a full range of products including womenswear, menswear,  children’s clothing, health and beauty and homeware, with a focus on own brand goods.

However, the company has confirmed its commitment to continue trading in Chester city centre, where there has been recent significant investment in its Browns of Chester store.

The Cheshire Oaks store is not thought to be competition for Browns because it will have a different retail offer.

The application is supported by Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Andrew Miller and the Ellesmere Port Development Board on the basis the store will bring a further high-quality retailer to the town, creating hundreds of new jobs, which will benefit Ellesmere Port’s economy.

And Sara Mogel, principal of West Cheshire College, expressed her support for the development, saying the college has ‘a positive working relationship with The Coliseum’.

She said: “The proposal is an excellent opportunity to bring new jobs to the area, provide training opportunities for local people as well as strengthening Ellesmere Port’s economy.

“The college supports the proposal and the investment being made by one of the UK’s leading retailers.”

Debenhams is due to open later in 2013.