The Range's new HQ could create 500 jobs

One of Britain's fastest growing businesses could be creating more than 500 new jobs in Plymouth - where its new headquarters could be built.

Chris Dawson started off as a market trader in Plymouth, but now he runs The Range, with 88 stores across Britain and a workforce of more than 2,500.

The man who's made millions from an empire he grew from his first store in Plymouth is hoping to invest millions more in a brand new head office and superstore.

Chris Dawson is hoping that it will become a national training academy for his staff.

He says he could save money by building in other cities in need of regeneration.

However, he is keen to bring the management of his entire operations back to where it all started. His first store opened in 1989.

Here is what Mr Dawson had to say:

120 jobs would be created in the new superstore alone, and the up to 450 eventually in the headquarters.

The available land is on a brownfield site and the former Seaton Barracks at Derriford. However plans have yet to submitted.

Cllr Ian Bowyer, leader of Plymouth City Council, says that the possible new headquarters is "extremely exciting for Plymouth," and that this would be "the beating heart of The Range empire coming back to the beating heart of Derriford."