Premier Property Group has agreed to let an anchor store to Bhs at Middleton Grange shopping centre in Hartlepool.
Bhs has taken a 15-year lease, and will occupy 35,000 sq ft in the 580,000 sq ft centre.
PPG has also announced that it is investing up to £2m to refurbish Middleton Grange.
It has already begun work to open up and refurbish the façade of the anchor store, which has been vacant since Woolworths ceased trading in 2008. Bhs is expected to begin trading this autumn, following an extensive fitout, increasing the occupancy rate of the centre from 80% to 86%.
A Bhs spokesman said: “The store, which will trade over two floors with a total of 22,000 sq ft of selling space, will feature a revitalised fashion offer with separate departments for women, men and children. Within women’s wear, dedicated areas will showcase Arcadia brands Wallis and Dorothy Perkins.”
He added: “The upper floor introduces the extensive home-furnishing department and an all-new Bhs Cafe, whose fresh new concept mixes classic designer furniture with bespoke graphics.”
annabel.dixon@estatesgazette.com
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