A discount store is set to replace the old Asda in Barking.

A discount store is set to replace the old Asda in Barking.

B&M Retail will move into the 43,000sq ft space in Vicarage Field Shopping Centre, which has been vacant since the supermarket’s move across town in September.

The discount company is one of the country’s fastest-growing retail chains and will create more than 100 jobs through the move.

The site, in North Street, Barking, will undergo a comprehensive internal and external refurbishment programme ahead of the grand opening on Saturday February 20 at 9am.

A spokesman for the retail chain said: “We’re feeling really positive about the creation of new jobs for local people and we hope customers are going to be delighted with their new store.”

The store will offer a wide variety of branded and own-label products including toys, food and drink, pets products and health and beauty items, alongside a DIY, range, homeware collections and electrical products.

Simon Green, Vicarage Field centre director said: “We’re delighted to welcome a leading retailer like B&M to Barking town centre and Vicarage Field in particular.

“Their style of trading suits the town centre’s current value-driven convenience shopping offer and we’re looking forwards to working alongside B&M to serve the current and future residents and shoppers of Barking.”

The shopping centre was bought by real-estate fund managers Benson Elliot Capital Management for £35million in June and cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Cameron Geddes, praised the group’s efficiency.

He said: “It is great news that Benson Elliot has secured B&M as a quick replacement for the ex-Asda store in Vicarage Field.

“Offering an increased mix of retailers and giving improved choice for local residents and visitors to the town centre while invigorating the local economy is key to our town centre strategy alongside the current public realm works underway on East Street and the proposed improvements to Barking market.”

Asda left the site at the end of August before opening a larger store 200m away in Short Blue Place just days later.