A LARGE retailer will be forced to move or leave as part of a town centre regeneration project.

The Range, in Short Street, Southend will have to move for the Better Queensway housing project to take place.

It is hoped the firm will choose another site in the town.

Speculation had mounted that the Range had planned a move into the old BHS site in the High Street but Primark has now signed to move in. 

Councillor James Courtenay, deputy leader for Southend Council, confirmed the store would need to relocate if it wanted to remain.

The project which is a joint plan by Southend Council and Swan Housing is expected to cost about £500million and provide 1,600 homes in and around Queensway, Southend.

A partnership has been agreed in principle by the council and housing developer.

The Range had previously applied to take over the former BHS store in High Street.

The store situated behind Southend Victoria Train Station opened in December 2013.

The Range was contacted for comment but did not respond before the paper went to press.

The partnership deal will be discussed Thursday.