More than 200 homes could be built on the site of a huge clothing store in Romford, according to a real estate firm's advert - but the retailer in situ said it has no plans to close.
The land which is home to Romford Matalan at 117 North Street is up for sale, a listing from Knight Frank real estate agency shows.
It says Hawkins Brown Architects has completed a feasibility study for the redevelopment of the site to deliver 210 homes and more than 5,600 sq ft of commercial space.
But Matalan told the Recorder it is not going anywhere.
“We have no plans to close our Romford store," a spokesperson said. "Our current lease runs until October of this year, after which time we have every intention to renew the lease.”
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The Knight Frank listing says that the lease to Matalan, reportedly costing £636,240 per year, expires on October 10.
Knight Frank also said Havering Council has received "a number of positive pre-application responses" for a residential-led scheme there.
Under the architects' feasibility plans, a development could be made up of three blocks ranging from four to eight-storeys high.
Homes would be on all levels of the development and ground-floor properties would likely be two-floor apartments, Knight Frank's listing said.
Commercial space would be on the ground floor along North Street.
Courtyards, gardens and a river walk along the boundary of the River Rom were also included.
Knight Frank described the land as an "outstanding development opportunity."
"Offers are invited for the freehold interest on an unconditional, subject to contract only basis," it added.
The listing says the site contains a retail warehouse building, which extends to 39,623 square feet, with associated car park and service yard.
Matalan, which was founded in 1985, had 230 UK stores as of 2019 and 49 international franchises.
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