John Lewis is to submit plans for a new department store in Brighton, with the creation of 250 jobs.
The company stated, “John Lewis today announced it will start to engage with the local community around plans for a potential department store in Brighton before submitting a planning application to Brighton and Hove Council. The retailer acquired 129-133 North Street, Brighton, in December 2014.'
Andrew Mills, acquisitions and development manager at John Lewis, said, “We have held a long-term ambition to have a presence in Brighton. Over the coming months we intend to work closely with local retail, business and community organisations in the city as we develop more detailed proposals.'
Council leader Warren Morgan said, “Shopping in Brighton and Hove is a key economic driver, supporting local jobs and attracting visitors so a new store opening of this calibre will help raise the profile of our vibrant retail sector and serve as a flagship addition to the region’s retail draw.”
The news comes after the company said, earlier this month, that it is planning department stores in Leeds, Westfield London and Oxford