TWO new shops are coming to a Basildon retail park after the closure of a big name business.

Almost 50 jobs were lost when the DIY store Homebase closed in December at Mayflower Retail Park.

The chain announced the closure in October and said it was down to it being unable to renew its lease with owners British Land for undisclosed reasons - although it is believed it could not pay the rate increase asked by the owners.

Work is currently being carried out to convert the former Homebase building into two new units.

Passersby have spotted the boards up around the site and the presence of construction machinery in the last month as the transformation takes place.

British Land has confirmed to the Echo that the new units will be flooring and carpet shop Tapi and sofa shop Fabb Sofas.

Both are new chains that are being set up.

The number of jobs being created has not yet been announced.

Labour councillor Andrew Buxton said: “They aren’t names that I have heard of but it will be good if they are creating employment opportunities in the town.

“It is a shame that they haven’t opened in the town centre, though.

“I think that retail units take trade away from town centres, but hopefully when the new market is ready come September/October time, and the college moves to the town centre, that will help bring more people to the shops.”

His fellow ward councillor David Burton-Sampson added: “I think it is a shame that Homebase left the site because it was an extremely popular branch of the chain.

“I am pleased that we haven’t been left with empty units.

“We have managed to attract new businesses which will bring jobs for people who had lost their jobs when Homebase left.

“It is good we have new employment opportunities in the town and have attracted new names.

“It is a good thing.”

Shops at the retail park include Boots, M&S, Choice, Clarks, Costa, Mothercare and Next.

Nando’s third restaurant opened in October on the former Pizza Hut restaurant at the site, creating 20 new jobs.