DOZENS of new jobs are set to be created in Greenock as a popular furniture and homeware store opens in the town.

The Tele can exclusively reveal that The Range is set to move into the former Homebase unit in West Shaw Street.

It has been empty since the DIY chain closed the branch down in December.

Back in February consultants working on behalf of the building's owners said interest in the large unit was high and that discussions had opened with at least two possible tenants.

Now a deal has been done, with the building being renovated in advance of its new occupiers.

Councillor David Wilson, who chairs the planning board, has welcomed the new arrival in the town centre.

said: "The Range is to open at the former Homebase site.

"It's very welcome to Inverclyde."

Bosses at The Range say they will open next year but remained tight-lipped on the date.

They have not said how many jobs will be generated, but a similar-sized branch in Paisley created 80 posts, a mixture of full-time and part-time.

A spokesperson said: "We are looking to open a store in Greenock next year but don’t yet have any other information."

The company is expected to be recruiting for a variety of roles, including everything from department managers to warehouse workers and retail assistants.

The Range stocks a wide variety of products across 16 departments, including DIY, kitchen and dining, arts and crafts and seasonal.

They also offer food, an outdoor garden centre and family café.