Beacon Lighting is gearing up to open a store at the Homemaker Centre.

A spokeswoman said the store would employ seven people and The Standard understands it will open in mid August.

The spokeswoman said regional expansion was a great opportunity for the business.

“Warrnambool is an emerging area and we see this as a really positive opportunity,” she said.

Mayor Robert Anderson welcomed the new business and said it showed the strength and viability of Warrnambool.

“It also shows the confidence businesses have and the growth in Warrnambool,” he said.

“When the city renewal project is complete it is going to make a big difference.

“If they didn’t have the confidence in the city they wouldn’t be coming.

“I’m sure there’s more to come too.”

The new business comes after The Standard reported on Monday that furniture store Early Settler and a Bonds store would also be opening in the city.

Furniture store Early Settler will open in the Homemaker Centre and a Bonds store will also open in the CBD next month.

The Bonds store will open in Liebig Street, at the former Baby Bird Boutique site, in late June. It’s understood Early Settler would employ five casual staff members along with a store manager and assistant store manager.

Axis Employment, a not for profit organisation based in Horsham, will also open in Kepler Street in early July.

Axis Employment CEO Colin Barnett said the organisation would employ five people.