Magnet Basildon St Hilary's Retail Park store now open

Magnet has welcomed its first customers to the kitchen showroom this morning, joining Greggs which opened last week.

Progress at the site has been rapid over the last year, with a host of new shops now nearing completion including Starbucks, Lidl and Tile Mountain.

Store - Magnet (Image: Newsquest)

Craig Rimmer, Basildon Tory councillor responsible for economic stimulus and tourism, said: “It’s fantastic that Magnet has opened its doors in Basildon today.

“The kitchen is the heart of many people’s homes, which therefore should result in a lot of business and attraction.

“With it not being a hospitality business, it’ll bring more variety to the town’s retail offering, which is very good news because it allows the community to have a choice.

“I’m sure it’ll do very well, and I wish Magnet all the very best.”

The new shop has opened 12 days after bakery chain Greggs launched their new store at the site.

New - Greggs at St Hilary's Retail Park, Basildon (Image: Newsquest)

German supermarket Lidl, American coffee giant Starbucks, home décor firm Tile Mountain, and the fast-growing self-storage brand Lok N Store are all set to appear on the retail park but have not provided any launch dates.

However, signs for Tile Mountain have been placed on the site’s 3m high totem pole sign, alongside Lidl and Magnet, and also on the unit’s exterior.

Brands - Lidl, Tile Mountain and Magnet on the retail park's 3m high totem sign (Image: Newsquest)

A few steps down the road is the new Canadian fast-food restaurant and drive-thru Tim Hortons, which has a projected autumn opening.

Workers have completed the building’s cream and black exterior and the site’s forecourt.

In a message on the Magnet website, it said: “Welcome to your Magnet showroom Basildon.

“Our store is open, and our colleagues are always on-hand to chat with you from September 14, available to book now.”

The showroom’s opening hours are 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

As well as being able to browse around the showroom during this time, customers can book an in-store design consultation where they can meet their designer and begin the process of creating a dream kitchen.