PLANS TO give a former toy shop at Sears Retail Park a new lease of life have been handed to Solihull council.
The former Toys R Us Store, which closed its doors in April after the company went into administration, could be turned into a Smyth’s Toy store and a Lidl store.
Planning documents handed to the council show property consultant company Lambert Smith Hampton propose to divide the disused shop unit in two and the two retail companies opening.
The letter goes on to say the toy retailer proposes to take over one half of the unit and the discount food stores are looking to take over the other half.
In order for Lidl to be able to trade it would need to amend part of a current agreement which prevents the sale of food, alcohol, fashion clothes, fashion shoes, fashion accessories, books or stationery at the unit.
Lambert Smith Hampton have estimated between 40 and 50 new employees at Lidl and up to 20 new employees expected to be secured from the proposed Smyth’s Toy store.
In the planning application it shows plans to reduce the number of car parking spaces at the unit by 17.
There has yet to be a date decided for when the planning committee will discuss this application.
