MORE than 50 extra jobs will be created under ambitious plans to double the size of the Next store at the Mayflower Retail Park.
 

The move, the latest boost to the retail park which lies adjacent to the A127, would see the current store move to the unit which is occupied by the Currys store.
 

If given the go-ahead, the retail giant - which sells ladieswear, menswear, childrenswear and homewear - would boast a 2,200 square metre store, with a mezzanine floor level and a large storage area.
 

It would also have room for a cafe and boost the number of staff employed at the current Next store at the retail park from 84 to 135 - an increase of 51 jobs.
 

And, unlike the store already at the Mayflower site which has a small range of home furnishings, the new shop would offer Next kitchens and bathrooms as well as clothes and a bigger range of homeware.
 

It is not yet clear what would occupy the current store, which is next to M&S Simply Food, or where Currys will move to.
 

In a letter, accompanying a planning application which has been submitted to Basildon Council, planners acting on behalf of British Land, which owns the retail park, said the new supersize store would offer shoppers better choice.
 

And they said the retail giant remained committed to running the Next store at the Eastgate Centre.
 

The letter, sent on behalf of Blue Sky Planning Ltd, said of the plans: “Next remain committed to their store in the Eastgate Centre.
 

“The opening of the enlarged store at Mayflower Retail Park will not change this.
 

“The proposed store at Mayflower will enable Next to expand its retail offer in the Basildon area.
 

“The mezzanine extension will enable Next to retail a slightly wider range of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing as well as a full home furnishing products range.”