Next have confirmed plans to open a home and fashion store in Raynes Park.

Speculation the retail giant had agreed the purchase the former Thales offices on Bushey Road, Raynes Park for a new store first arose in January - which was confirmed today.

Their plans for a new home and fashion store at the site will be exhibited to the public before an official planning application expected to be submitted in late May.

Developers have said the proposed 2,239 square metre store and coffee shop within it will create 200 new jobs.

A spokesperson for Next said: “At this stage no planning application has been submitted.

"Next are working closely with AXA Real Estate and its appointed design team and will be submitting a planning application within the forthcoming months. 

"By this time we will also have received feedback from the local public consultation events being held on the 27th April and 4th May”.

Residents will be able to view the plans, drawn up by AXA Real Estate, at Raynes Park Library on Saturday, April 27, from 10.30am to 5.30pm, and on Saturday May 4 at Next's Wimbledon store in Wimbledon Bridge Road from 10am to 4pm.

The Thales Avionics offices have been mostly empty since 2009 when the defence contractors closed its Raynes Park office.