Up to 80 jobs may be on way to Fakenham

Up to 80 new jobs are set to be created in Fakenham this year with wide-ranging developments by Uby MPG Leisure Sports and Leisure.

The company has acquired the former Godfrey DIY premises on the Norwich Street, Norwich Road and Holt Road junction just off the town centre.

The firm says it now employs 30 staff at the prominent site and is set to invest a further £6m in the Fakenham operation and open retail outlets in neighbouring Norfolk market towns.

And in an ambitious move in the current gloomy economic climate, the company is poised to launch a national multi-million pound distribution centre on the outskirts of the town.

The company, which sees its Fakenham operation becoming the town's new department store when the Aldiss fashion department store closes, originally traded in a range of camping equipment and cycles but has broadened its product base to include computer equipment.

Future plans at the old Godfrey's site include a membership gym, spa and dance studio. Another part of the premises is set to be developed as an 80-seater family-friendly Mexican restaurant fronting Holt Road. This will feature a dance floor and cocktail bar.

The company's chief executive, Zoe Bradshaw, who was born and educated in the town, said the company considers Fakenham to be its flagship branch.

“It is what I would describe as the epicentre of it all. Our plans see the creation of Fakenham's new department store following the loss of Aldiss fashions which is soon to close. With various long-established traders closing what we are doing is what the town needs now. We want to breathe new retail life in the town because it has such great potential,” said Miss Bradshaw.

She explained that the firm has also acquired the town's old computer shop and the Courtesy cab firm, both based in Bridge Street.