Matalan has confirmed plans to open a new 45,000sq ft flagship store in Northern Ireland.

The company has lodged a planning application for a new store at Bridgewater Retail Park in Banbridge, which would create 47 full and part-time jobs if approved.

The proposed £1.9m store would span two floors and be created by combining two existing units at the retail park, alongside the installation of a mezzanine level.

It would mark Matalan’s first store on the A1 corridor between Lisburn and Newry, with planning documents highlighting the location’s potential to attract shoppers travelling across the border from the Republic of Ireland.

Matalan does not currently operate a store in the Republic, with the retailer viewing Banbridge’s position close to the border as an opportunity to broaden its customer catchment.

Matalan is pushing ahead with wider plans to grow its Northern Ireland estate. A separate application for a store at Springhill Shopping Centre in Bangor was approved in June.

Planning documents said Bridgewater Retail Park’s large units, parking and location alongside other value retailers made it suited to Matalan’s store format.

The new shop would sit between The Food Warehouse and a planned B&M store and garden centre.

Alongside the 47 permanent roles expected to be created, the development is forecast to support a further 35 jobs during construction and fit-out.

The application has been submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and remains subject to planning approval.

Last week, the company confirmed that it plans to ramp up its fashion credentials with a revamped autumn/winter collection aimed at changing customer perceptions of the brand.

It will launch its new autumn/winter range on 12 September, marking what it described as a significant shift in its fashion direction with a greater focus on design, quality and elevated everyday style.

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