BROMSGROVE is set to have a new DIY store which will create jobs for town residents.

Developer Chase Commercial has teamed up with historic Bromsgrove components firm Barpro Group Ltd to build the new DIY store, at Barpro’s former manufacturing site, in Sherwood Road.

The prime 4.2 acre site fronts the A38, and the partners have planning consent for a 40,000 sq ft store.

Barpro was set up by director Chris Spears' grandfather Ernest Spears and father Alfred Spears, and has been based in Bromsgrove since the 1940s, and on the Sherwood Road site since the early 1960s.

The company played its part in the war effort, making parts for the Spitfire aircraft. At its peak Barpro, which manufactured components predominantly for the automotive industry, employed 150 people.

Manufacturing ceased in 2003, and Barpo is currently in the process of winding down. Only the derelict factory remains on the main site.

Chase commercial director, Tim Haslam, said: "We are delighted to have secured this prominent site, which is perfect for regeneration, and hope to be able to announce who the occupier will be later in the year.”

Mr Spears, said: “The site has seen better days, so for it to be redeveloped will give a real boost to the area.

“We are delighted to be working with Chase Commercial, who have already provided Bromsgrove with a number of office schemes over the last few years.”