A POPULAR discount shop will be taking over a huge empty store.

Primark, currently in The Royals Shopping Centre, Southend will take over the old BHS store in Southend High Street.

A Primark spokesman said: “Primark can confirm that its Southend store will be relocated to a site nearby in town at 36-44 High Street, Southend.

"The new store will offer more retail space with a broader product range and will feature a contemporary shop fit.

"Construction work will began on Monday February 11and is expected to complete in summer 2020. Our current store will be open as usual until work is completed on the new store.

"All our colleagues at the current store will be transferred to the new store.”