Home Bargains creates 50 new jobs at new Martlesham Heath store

A typical Home Bargains store, similar to the one opening at Martlesham Heath. Picture: HOME BARGAINS (Image: Archant)

In October Home Bargains was confirmed to be the latest name to join the park, occupying one of two units built off Martinsyde.

The new store has created 50 new jobs, and officially opens its doors at 8am this morning (Saturday, January 13).

Speaking earlier this week, Joe Morris, operations director at Home Bargains said: “We’re thrilled to be launching our first store in Ipswich and look forward to welcoming customers through the doors.

“Martlesham Heath Retail Park will be a great location for us and we’re proud to be able to offer local people top-branded goods at exceptionally low prices.”

The 15,000 sq ft store is its first in the Ipswich area, joining more than 400 other branches across the country selling homewares, toys, sweets and snacks, drinks and alcohol, home interior products and health and beauty goods.

Beardmore Park is currently undergoing a raft of developments aimed at expanding its retail offering, while some stores are upgrading their units.

Three new units built off Anson Road beside the Tesco store will be filled by Wickes and Evans Cycles, alongside Topps Tiles which is moving from its existing store next to Hobbycraft.

A drive-through Costa is also being built in the area.

Home Bargains will officially open on the 13th of January. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The new unit next to Home Bargains will be occupied by Hughes Electrical, which will be moving out of its existing store opposite Next.

It is not yet clear what will fill the current Topps Tiles and Hughes units, but it is understood there is potential to divide the Hughes unit into two.

It is understood Boots has expressed an interest in filling a part of the Hughes unit if a division were to go ahead.

The Topps Tiles and Evans stores are expected to generate around 61 full time jobs.

Home Bargains is due to open on Martlesham Heath Retail Park. Picture: GREGG BROWN

A spokesman from LondonMetric previously said: “The new units will add to Martlesham Heath Retail Park’s status as a major contributor to the local economy.”

He added that the development will “improve the amount and variety of Martlesham Heath’s retail offer.”

Further development is also being planned further along on unused ground, where Aldi is hoping to create a new store.