A furniture store will officially open to the public this week after 65 new job positions were filled.

The first 50 customers to pass through the doors of the new Dunelm store, on Belvedere Road, will win a free gift and store manager Kyle Walker has said he is aiming 'to provide something for everyone, all under one roof'.

The ribbon will officially be cut by mayor of Lowestoft Stephen Ardley, special guest Patrick Grant from BBC2 TV show The Great British Sewing Bee and Homemaker Magazine Editor Ella Johnston at 9am on Wednesday, May 20.

The store, which has two floors and includes a Pausa coffee shop, has taken over the 30,000 sq ft units which have been vacant for eight years. Built in 2005 alongside Asda's store, as part of a £30m development to regenerate the South Quay, the units were labelled Suffolk's ugliest building in 2006 in a poll conducted by the Suffolk Preservation Society.

The furniture store, which will open seven days a week, includes a bedding department, specialist furniture section and a cook shop and dining area.

Store Manager Kyle Walker expressed his excitement at finally getting the new store open.

'My team and I are excited to bring Dunelm into the local community.

'Over the weeks building up to the opening we have successfully employed 65 people and me and my colleagues are ready to meet the local shoppers of Lowestoft on opening day.

'Be sure to head down for 9am to be in with the chance of receiving a free gift.'

Chief Executive of Dunelm, Will Adderley, said: 'We are always excited about the opening of a new store. It takes a lot of hard work, investment and commitment getting a new store up and running and we are delighted to welcome Mayor Stephen Ardley, Patrick Grant and Ella Johnston to open our doors for the very first time.

'We are confident our new Lowestoft store will play a big part in the continued success of the company.'

Patrick Grant and Ella Johnston will be offering out free magazines and will be available to ask any sewing and craft related questions along with signing autographs.

There is also the chance to win a £250 gift card and a £500 VIP Dunelm personal shopper experience.

What do you think of the new store opening? Email: joe.randlesome@archant.co.uk