A RETAILER moving from Darlington town centre has confirmed that existing staff have been offered jobs in the new store.

It was revealed earlier this week that TK Maxx on Crown Street is moving to Darlington Retail Park in the New Year.

The new store will open on February 16 and a spokesman has confirmed that all store associates from the Crown Street branch have been offered positions at the Retail Park outlet.

He added that up to six additional jobs will be created at the new store which will span 1,639sqm.

It has not yet been revealed what will occupy the Crown Street building once TK Maxx has vacated, although bosses at the property firm that owns the building, New River Retail, say there is a 'masterplan' for the area.

Speaking at a meeting of Darlington Council's cabinet on Tuesday night, council leader Bill Dixon hinted at some exciting developments in store and said: "Hopefully over the next few weeks and months they (New River) will make public some of the plans and inspirations they have shared with us."

Cllr Dixon went on to describe the aesthetics of the TK Maxx Crown Street building as "horrible" and added: "Anything including demolition can only be a good thing."