The new clothing and homeware store will create around 50 new jobs
Next will open in Ruislip provided section 106 agreements are reached (stock photo)(Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)
A West London retail park is set for a brand new Next store.
Hillingdon Council has approved plans – subject to a Section 106 legal agreement – for a new Next which will feature clothing and footwear alongside some homeware. Shoppers will also be able to visit a café inside the retailer, alongside their usual shopping.
The store will be located in the former Carpetright unit in Ruislip Retail Park. The site has been empty since summer 2024.
Ruislip was not the only area considered by the retailer. Next looked at sites in Eastcote, Harrow and Northolt, however, the company was unable to identify a suitable location.
The new store will be the fourth in the area, following Harrow, Lombardy Retail Park in Hayes, and Westway Cross in Greenford. According to planning documents there are no plans to close any of these stores.
Next will replace the vacant unit previously occupied by Carpetright(Image: Hillingdon Council)
It is expected to create between 50 and 60 new jobs, not including temporary construction jobs. The fashion chain argued the plans will deliver “substantial benefits” to the local area.
The new store will also feature a mezzanine. This will bring the total floor space to 2,774 sqm, including the 139 sqm café.
Hillingdon Council’s retail consultant concluded that there will be low levels of trade diversions away from local businesses. The only impact would be on town centres, although the council believes these are well placed to manage this “modest” impact.
The fashion retailer highlighted that due to specific planning conditions attached to the unit, it would be unable to sell clothing and footwear. It argued that this would be necessary to overrule in order for Next to take over the unit – something the council agreed with.
The retail park currently offers 304 parking spaces shared between retailers. The council judged that these facilities would be adequate for the increased trade brought by a new Next.
No objections have been raised to the development. The plans will now be subject to a S106 legal agreement before being granted final approval.
Next recently reopened a store off Croydon’s Purley Way and opened a second branch in Hemel Hempstead as it embarks on an expansion. There are over 500 Next shops across the UK.
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