A FORMER Woolworths store which has stood empty for 18 months will soon be home to a major High Street clothes shop.

Fashion retailer Primark has announced it is moving into the former home of Woolworths in Cwmbran after signing a 25-year lease.

The store in the town was one of 11 across Gwent which were closed in January last year at a loss of 377 jobs.

Since then, the store has stood empty, but it will now be replaced by a 47,500 sq ft, three-floor shop overlooking General Ree car park and will open before Christmas.

Cwmbran Shopping Manager, Gerry Hutchings, said: “This is wonderful news for the town, particularly given the difficult economic climate, and we’re delighted to be announcing the new store. The news is a welcome boost to the local economy."

Ex-Woolworths stores in Monmouth, Pontypool and Abertillery have all been turned into Iceland supermarkets since its demise while the former store in Abergavenny was bought by Blackpool-based discount retailer B&M and the old Chepstow branch was taken over by high street chain The Original Factory Shop, creating 20 jobs.

Torfaen council said the company will create 50 full-time and 20 part-time jobs at the new store.

It will be the second of the chain's stores to open in Gwent, the other being in Newport.

This announcement follows JD Sports doubling its store size in Cwmbran and Home Bargains opening a 9,000 sq ft shop opposite the bus station.

Torfaen council leader Bob Wellington described the new shop as "more excellent news for Cwmbran and Torfaen" which will also have a positive effect on smaller traders.

He added: "Clearly it is very positive news that the former Woolworths - such a prominent vacant store - has been taken over by such a high calibre company and once again it shows the major companies share our confidence that Torfaen is a great place to do business.”