TK Maxx in Bishop’s Stortford: Work finally begins to build new store at Jackson Square shopping centre

Work finally begins this week to redevelop Jackson Square ready for the arrival of flagship retailer TK Maxx in Bishop’s Stortford.

From Monday (July 3) hoardings will be erected throughout the mall and the centre’s Bridge Street entrance will be closed to the public.

The precinct’s two other entrances, in Potter Street and Riverside, will remain open as usual for the duration of the works.

The enabling works will begin after weeks of behind-the-scenes preparations and refinements to the scheme by landlord Legal & General.

The plans, approved by East Herts Council last year, promise “an entirely new shopping experience for the Bishop’s Stortford community”.

To create the new 1,858 sq m (20,000 sq ft) unit for the discount designer brand, F. Hinds jeweller in the main concourse will move to The Body Shop’s former unit while Bridge Street’s Photosound Camera Centre and Mamdani Opticians will be relocating to a vacant unit next to Hays Travel and the former Spats dry cleaners in Devoils Lane respectively.

Once the project, incorporating the former Argos premises next to Wilko, is completed, Jackson Square will have a new entrance on The Causeway, additional retail units and a new ‘public realm’.

TK Maxx’s arrival will create up to 50 new jobs in full-, part-time and casual roles.

Jackson Square manager Michael Smith said: “There will inevitably be a period of disruption as our centre is expanded, but in the longer term we know it will be worth it as we are creating an even greater place for our community to meet, spend time and enjoy come autumn 2024.

“Working with our customers, listening to them and keeping them informed on every step of this renovation journey has been key to the success of this project so far. This two-way communication will continue to be a priority for us as we bring to life our shared vision to create a vibrant and relevant retail destination in the heart of our town.”

He added: “It is great to see that Legal & General is investing not only in our shopping centre but our town centre and its people.

“Our community is at the heart of everything we do here at Jackson Square, and we know that this redevelopment will inject a boost of positivity into Bishop’s Stortford.

"It is very much business as usual for both our stores and customers whilst the work is carried out.”

Gina Thomas, Bishop’s Stortford BID (Business Improvement District) manager, said: “TK Maxx choosing Jackson Square in Bishop’s Stortford for their new store is fantastic news for the town centre.

“It will perfectly complement the offering we already have here, with our range of national chains and independent businesses. We look forward to their opening and the development of Jackson Square.”

TK Maxx is part of the American TJX Companies Inc, which has more than 4,500 outlets across the world. The brand has more than 650 stores in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Poland and Austria.

Its range includes cut-price designer clothing for all ages and top-name food items, accessories, cosmetics and toiletries, furniture, bedding, cookware, tableware and soft furnishings.

At present, its closest branch for Stortford shoppers is the Water Gardens in Harlow.