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Chain takes over River Island site
BLACKPOOL'S town centre shopping renaissance is set to continue as another national chain announces it will open in set to open next weekend in the former River Island store.
Fashion retailer Madhouse is to take over the empty shop on Bank Hey Street.
The store has lain empty since River Island moved into the Houndshill Shopping Centre when it reopened in September 2008.
Madhouse has more than 50 stores across the UK and will focus mainly on menswear with top brands including Calvin Klein, Bench and Converse.
It will open for business on March 13 and around 15 jobs will be created.
Department store chain TJ Hughes will open at the former Woolworths store on March 16.
The town centre management team have been consulting with the owners of Madhouse, Winter Sky Retail, about taking over the 3,500 sq ft site.
Its area manager Isabel Wind said the company was delighted to be taking over such a prime location.
Eileen Ormand, town centre BID manager, said: "To have two national chains signed up for Bank Hey Street is a big coop for the resort. Bank Hey Street runs parallel with the Promenade and is as much a main high street as the like of Church Street and Victoria Street.
"I am delighted Madhouse is to move in as I am sure it is the type of shop which will bring more shoppers to the town centre. It's all coming together nicely and we are all very pleased with the progress being made in the shopping areas."
Earlier this week the new owner of the Houndshill, Centros, announced the the second phase of the shopping complex's expansion would go ahead.
Blackpool Council has completed its compulsory purchase of land on Tower Street and parts of Coronation Street which will make way for the extension.
Coun Maxine Callow, cabinet member for tourism and regeneration, said: "This is even more good news for the town centre following this weeks announcement concerning the Houndshill. I am sure we can continue this trend.
"Standing outside all the empty shops last year was a real shock for me but I am pleased this is now all happening."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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