THE Truro branch of Homebase is facing an uncertain future since the high-street chain went into administration.

Administrators appointed on November 13 immediately oversaw the sale of the Homebase brand name, intellectual property and up to 70 UK stores to Plymouth businessman Chris Dawson — owner of CDS superstores and The Range, and buyer of the Wilko name, website and intellectual property in 2023.

While this sale saved up to 1,600 jobs, questions remain over the fate of 49 further stores and the 1,700 employees working there. Homebase CEO Damian McGloughlin said these would continue to trade as normal while the administrators complete discussions with potential buyers, while acknowledging that this would be “unsettling” for team members.

The Homebase brand name is set to continue solely online, with stores to re-open as The Range. However, The Range already exists on Treliske Industrial Estate, a stone’s throw from the existing Homebase.

Founded by Sainsbury’s in 1979, Homebase’s last owner was restructuring firm Hilco, which bought it for £1 in 2018 but reported an £84.2 million loss last year.

Mr McGloughlin blamed “an incredibly challenging three years for the home and garden improvement market”, adding: “A decline in consumer confidence and spending following the pandemic has been exacerbated by the impact of persistent high inflation, global supply chain issues and unseasonable weather.

“Against this backdrop, we have taken many and wide-ranging actions to improve trading performance, including restructuring the business and seeking fresh investment. These efforts have not been successful, and we have made the difficult decision to appoint administrators.”