A FORMER high street store is set to be converted into a crazy golf course and escape room - dubbed a “very significant investment.”

Billericay Leisure Limited is behind the proposals for the old Argos shop in Billericay High Street.

If agreed a cafe would also be created for the new entertainment site in the town.

A cover letter says the site is under classification which would allow the business to run without major change or development.

It says: “The ground floor will include reception, the crazy golf course and café, the later be located at the rear of the premises.

“Before it commits to what is a very significant investment in the town, our client seeks the Council’s confirmation, that the proposal does not amount to development requiring planning permission.”

Last November Sainsbury’s, owners of Argos, announced it will cut some 3,500 jobs, most of which will be linked to the closure of 120 Argos stores.

Then in January bosses at Argos confirmed the site in Billericay was facing closure.

It would be the latest crazy golf course in the borough, after the opening of Mr Mulligans at Basildon’s Festival Leisure Park.

Plans do not state how many jobs it will create to any opening hours at this stage.

Families and residents have welcomed the new plans for the high street.

Barbara Cox, 76, of Billericay said: “I think it sounds great for the town and area, while we’ve always had a good high street, it’s always good to bring in new business.

“I can also see it being popular in the post Covid world as well - I would love to take my grandchildren there.”

The firm was contacted for comment.