A new Next beauty shop is set to come to Watford – on the site of the Debenhams department store.

The Watford Observer understands that plans for a smaller Next store in part of the Debenhams premises have been finalised, although there has been no official confirmation from either intu or Next.

This paper understands that plans for the move were in progress as far as back as July, although the Observer was waiting for official confirmation of the move from intu.

But recently Next has been advertising for a ‘Beauty Sales Manager’ on a permanent basis in Watford, with deadline for applications having closed on August 14.

Although a Next store already exists in intu Watford, the advert reads that a new ‘Multi Brand Beauty & Home Store’ will be opening in Watford.

And a tweet by Jonathan Eley, a journalist from the Financial Times, said there is “a lot of activity in the now shut Debenhams”.

He also posted a picture of the now closed advert for a job position at a new Next store.

The advert read: “Join us as a sales manager in one of our first ever Beauty departments and be part of this exciting new Next journey. Don’t miss out on amazing benefits!”

Debenhams announced it would not be reopening in Watford in June after the chain went into administration.

Debenhams only opened its store in Watford in September 2018 as part of the £180 million extension at intu Watford.

However, it said it could not agree a new rent with intu.