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High-end department store John Lewis has announced plans to build 10,000 homes in the South East over the next decade, the Sunday Times reports.
Some 7,000 of those would be placed on sites already in its property portfolio while the remaining 3,000 would be on new sites entirely as the household name unveils plans to become a residential landlord.
The homes will range from studio flats to four-bedroom houses that could be built in existing department store car parks, above Waitrose supermarkets or next to its distribution centres.
It comes just four months after the retail giant announced its 'At Home' stores in Ashford and Tunbridge Wells will stay permanently shut after lockdown ends putting 195 jobs in jeopardy.
The Kent stores are among eight outlets that are shutting as the brand seeks to protect its long-term future after the devastating impact of the pandemic.
Chairwoman Dame Sharon White has closed 16 of 51 stores since she took over in February last year.
The permanent closure could suggest the stores in Fougeres Way and Kingstanding Business Park may have been considered for development under the new venture.
But The Range has revealed it hopes to fill Ashford's abandoned John Lewis store.
It has submitted plans to Ashford Borough Council and say its scheme will create 95 jobs – including 65 full-time positions.
The future for the store in Tunbridge Wells is still unclear suggesting homes could be part of its future.
Those who move in to a John Lewis Home will have the option of renting it fully furnished with items from the store's catalogue, or using their own furniture.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie recently stripped No 10 Downing Street of its John Lewis-led interiors following the departure of fan Theresa May.
Their apparent dislike of John Lewis furniture even prompted a tongue-in-cheek social media post from the household giant who said it had 'Something for *almost* everyone'
Some developments are also expected to come with a concierge service and a Waitrose convenience store nearby.
The first John Lewis homes are planned for the South East, but given the extent of the housing crisis in the UK, the partnership believes it could find further opportunities across the country.
The retailer could submit planning applications for a handful of sites as early as next year.
Chris Harris, the partnership’s property director, said: “Typically a developer might try and maximise returns and then move onto the next one.
“We are not trying to do that. We are aiming to charge a fair rent and to stay for the long haul.”
It's understood the businesses 80,000 employees could be offered discounted rents.
While the changes might seem drastic, this is not the chain’s first time dipping into the housing market.
John Lewis also owns most of Leckford, a village in Hampshire, where every home with a green door belongs to the partnership.
