More than 700 jobs will be created in Rugby after fashion retailer Gap decided to move to the town.

The clothing company will open a major distribution, administration and e-commerce centre at the Coton Development Area at the junction of the M6 and Leicester Road.

The 1.4m sq ft office and distribution building will create a range of jobs using a variety of skills. Around 600 jobs will be in distribution, with 100 more in office work.

Bosses at the American firm, based in San Fransisco, chose Rugby ahead of competition from other towns and cities all over Europe.

As well as looking at the site they inspected schools and houses in the town to make sure it was a suitable area for their staff to settle.

If Rugby councillors give the go-ahead to the plans at a meeting tomorrow, building work on the first of two warehouses and the offices will be completed by June next year.

Rugby Borough Council’s chief executive Diane Colley said:

“This announcement represents a major inward investment success for the area and is excellent news.

”We understand that the company was impressed with both the location and the opportunities which the borough had to offer, and chose Rugby over some serious international competition.

 “This is good news for Rugby and the council is keen to work with Gap to maximise the opportunities for the local community.”

She added that the Coton site, which will be a mix of commercial, industrial and residential buildings, had attracted a lot of interest.

At least 800 homes will be built on the site and around 150 acres will be used for commercial use, with an equal split between distribution and traditional industries.

Ms Colley added:

“Rugby’s location is very attractive to potential investors, given its easy access to road, rail and air networks.

“A company with an international reputation such as Gap sees these factors as critical to their plans.”