Early discussions have got underway over the future of the Homebase store in Bath, following the sale earlier this week of the land it occupies on Pines Way.
© Bath Echo
The Homebase store, which announced on Monday that it would be closing at the end of November, could remain open if a deal is reached with their new landlords.
Yesterday, Thursday 11th October, staff at the store on Pines Way were told there was the possibility the store may stay open, following the sale of the land.
Closing down signs are believed to have been taken down across the store.
A spokesperson for Homebase told the Bath Echo: “We are in discussions with the new landlord of our Bath store.
“We recognise that this is a very difficult time for our team members and we are working to resolve any uncertainty as quickly as possible.”
© Bath Echo
Responding to the news earlier this week that Homebase would close in Bath, the city’s MP Wera Hobhouse said: “Homebase will leave a hole in Bath, but it means that there’s potentially a significant amount of land is opening up for re-development next to the city centre.
“Based on Sainsbury’s previous plans, they wanted to move to the Homebase site, so the land around Green Park station could become available.
“If Sainsbury’s do move, it would be a huge opportunity. That land would be perfect for a mixed used development, designed around the needs of the people of Bath.
“It would be the ideal location for a public facing police station, along with lots of desperately needed social housing. Let’s have some vision!”
Homebase, which was bought by restructuring company Hilco for £1 in May, is currently undergoing a major overhaul in a bid to secure the company’s future.
42 stores across the UK and Republic of Ireland were earmarked for closure back in August 2018, however the Bath site was not included in the list.
Homebase had a lease for the site from the previous land owners British Land until December 2020.
