DISCOUNT designer goods store TK Maxx is in talks about leasing a unit at Brentwood's long-awaited William Hunter Way development.
The Gazette can reveal that the High Street store is talking to developer Stockland about a spot in the multimillion- pound as yet un-built retail complex.
The project has stalled somewhat since Brentwood Borough Council agreed planning permission for 79,000sq ft of retail space, a multistorey car park and cinema in February 2009.
In a brief statement to the Gazette yesterday (Tuesday), the Australian developer said: "Stockland can confirm that they are in legal negotiations with TK Maxx to take a lease of a store in the William Hunter Way development."
TK Maxx sells designer brands with discounts of around 50 per cent but shoppers have to rummage to find what they are after, and may not find their own size in the styles they like.
The chain has attracted some well-known celebrities including the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
Council leader Louise McKinlay said: "I welcome the news that Stockland are in legal negotiations with TK Maxx as part of the William Hunter Way development.
"Should they come to Brentwood, it would mean a new store in the town, which would be a great asset to the existing retail offer.
"This is particularly welcome as the planning permission is due to be reviewed in September."
The announcement has also been welcomed by Clive Othen, chairman of Brentwood Chamber of Commerce.
He said: "We would welcome new business to Brentwood on the premise that it brings increased footfall to the shopping potential of the town.
"This type of business has been established elsewhere and has been very successful – we would be quite happy to see them and consider them as a new member."
Building work on the project can only commence when 66 per cent of the retail floorspace has been let – a figure which has proved difficult to reach in the past four years.
Marks & Spencer has already signed up for 26,000sq ft, while Next and H&M have previously expressed interest.
Mrs McKinlay will now be calling an extraordinary council meeting to discuss the renewal of planning permission on the site, rather than just have it considered by the planning committee.
She said: "As this is such an important issue for the town, I and four additional members of the Conservative group have written to the mayor, calling for an extraordinary council meeting so that the renewal of permission can be fully debated in public, by all members of the council.
"This will take place once the public consultation period has been concluded."
Brentwood First councillor Russell Quirk is among a group of councillors who claim that the authority could have walked away from its deal with Stockland last year.
He added: "I think it is a failure of the administration that the deal has not happened and that we are still waiting for the development to start.
"We should go back to the drawing board and start again because we are flogging a dead horse that fell at the first hurdle years ago."
What do you think about TK Maxx coming to Brentwood? Have your say at www.brentwoodgazette.co.uk
