THE former KwikSave building in Port Street, Evesham, standing empty for the past six years, is set to get a face-lift.

With the help of Wychavon District Council, the Market Towns Partnership and the private sector, the premises are set to open in September as a Superpound discount store as part of the regeneration of the street.

Lew Hammond, Wychavon's town centres officer, said: "We've been working hard towards this for a long time. The company opened a store last year in Droitwich High Street, which has been a great success for them and the local High Street traders. We hope for the same in Port Street."

He added: "Other town enhancement schemes in Abbey Park, Waterside and Workman gardens should be completed by the autumn."

News of the store's arrival has been welcomed by in the town. Susan Earnshaw, secretary of the Bengeworth Traders' Association, said: "We welcome the store and wish it every success, it is an important event for the street."

Treasurer of the Evesham Chamber of Trade John Stych added: "This addition will revitalise Port Street which has suffered greatly since the closure of KwikSave there and the floods of four years ago."

Work on the building will start this month ready for the opening in September.