A proposed new £12 million retail warehouse development in the heart of Milton Keynes is set to welcome rapidly expanding DIY and household goods retailer The Range, creating around 150 jobs.

The Range has announced that it is planning to open an impressive flagship superstore in the Northamptonshire town after signing a 25-year lease.

The new 40,000 sq ft unit will occupy one of the most prominent locations in Milton Keynes on Albion Land's proposed Grafton Court development at the front of the Winterhill Retail Park, just a short distance from the Central district.

A planning application for the £12 million Grafton Court development has been submitted to Milton Keynes Council and is being considered by planning officers.

Chris Dawson, owner and managing director of The Range, said: "The Range is delighted to have secured a large store on this prime retail development.  We have been looking for a suitable property in Milton Keynes for over 18 months but until now we had been unable to find a store or development site good enough for The Range. 

"This new store will be prominent, have excellent access and the site is close to central Milton Keynes. It will make an excellent addition to our portfolio and, finally, people in Milton Keynes will be able to benefit from our unique retailing approach."

The new store will generate approximately 150 full and part time jobs. The development will also represent an inward investment into Milton Keynes of approximately £12 million, according to Albion Land director Simon Parsons.

He said: "We are very pleased to announce that The Range has agreed a lease on a 40,000 sq ft unit at our Grafton Court development. It is a fantastic location for retailers, being one of the most prominent retail sites in Milton Keynes and near two major arterial routes. The investment is a major vote of confidence in Milton Keynes and the creation of around 150 new jobs is a huge boost for local people. We are also marketing a further 10,000 sq ft of space and we expect there to be a great deal of interest from well known retailers."

The Range's new store is expected to open in early 2013. For further information please contact Alice Duxbury, The Range, 01752 725572.

For more information about the Grafton Court development please contact Simon Parsons, Albion Land, on 020 7486 3055, or agents Stephen Smart & Co on 0207 5699901 or Lambert Smith Hampton on 01908 604630.