A DATE has been set for Poundland to open its new outlet in Victoria Square opposite Bolton Town Hall.

The Newport Street shop where 20 people have been working is closing as the new larger store at units 19, 21 and 23, next to Specsavers, opens in a month’s time, on March 7.

Poundland claims to be Europe’s biggest single-price discount retailer, with more than 500 stores nationwide selling household items at £1 each across numerous ranges, including food and drink, homewares, DIY, health and safety, pet, baby, stationery and toys.

Trading director Richard Lancaster said: “Poundland has grown significantly over the last 12 months and it’s fantastic to see this expansion continuing with a bigger and brighter store in Bolton.

“We’re looking forward to opening our doors.”

When Birmingham-based Poundland announced plans for the switch in October, Bolton Council leader Cliff Morris welcomed the move, despite the local authority previously voicing concern over the rising number of pound shops, takeaways and bookmakers in the town centre.

He said: “We are always pleased when businesses decide they want to stay in Bolton town centre.

“They are moving to currently unoccupied premises and will leave behind an empty unit, but they are not leaving Bolton.

“It’s a sign of the times that it’s a pound shop, but people clearly need it and are using it.”

Poundland was launched 23 years ago by Dave Dodd and Stephen Smith, specialising in kitchen-ware, gifts, healthcare and other products across 16 categories and, like its rivals, operates a constantly rotating product line with items sold at £1.

The chief executive of Poundland is James McCarthy, who left his role as managing director at Sainsbury’s to take over from Mr Dodd in 2006.