DISCOUNT chain Poundland are set to move into a vacant unit at Port Glasgow's Gallagher Retail Park.

The new store plan was revealed after Inverclyde Council received planning applications for new signage.

Bosses from the company have targeted the former Watt Brothers unit in the retail park.

Proposals to display two illuminated signs at the unit on Glen Mill Way have been lodged on behalf of the bargain retail chain.

The proposed signs would feature the high street store's logo, as well as their discount clothing brand Pep&Co, which shares space with Poundland at some of its other branches.

The unit has been empty since Watt Brothers entered administration in 2019 after more than 100 years of trading.

All 22 of the Port store staff lost their jobs due to the department store chain's collapse.

The store had originally opened at the retail park in October of 2016.

If plans are approved, the new signs would be added to the shopfront, which is to be cleaned down by the existing contractor before being given a sprayed finish.

The shop would be the second Poundland in Inverclyde, with one already in operation at Greenock's Oak Mall.

It is not stated in the application how many jobs would be created by the new store and no proposed opening date is known as yet.

Permission was recently granted for the final retail plot at the shopping park to be developed with a small new building, but it is not yet known if an operator has been lined up for the site, next to the Direct Flooring premises.

The application is currently being considered by council officers.

A spokesperson for Poundland said: “Glasgow and the surrounding area is a great region for Poundland. 

“We’re always seeking new locations and just as soon as we have news to share, we will.”