Hartlepool's Middleton Grange shopping centre to reveal new fashion store

The retailer, as yet unconfirmed, will occupy the former Marks & Spencer store on the ground floor.

Work has been going on for several months at the unit, which occupies one of the most prominent locations in the centre.

The front of the unit has been extended and is currently boxed off to the public.

Mark Rycraft, centre manager at Middleton Grange Shopping, said he is hoping to announce more details on the future of the unit in the near future.

He said: “The former M&S unit on the ground floor is currently under construction and we look forward to announcing a new and exciting national fashion brand soon.”

The unit has been empty since M&S relocated to the Anchor Retail Park last June as a food-only outlet and cafe.

All of the 50 staff were offered jobs at the new outlet, which bosses promised would offer “an improved shopping experience” with a bigger food selection and free customer parking.

Middleton Grange manager Jones Lang LaSalle was granted planning permission by Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning committee to turned the first and second floors into a gym last October.

Talks are understood to be taking place with a mainstream gym operator.

In January, it was announced that jewellery brand Pandora is due to open a new concept store in the shopping centre in March.