AN empty town centre retail space is to be occupied by three national firms in the New Year.

Sports Direct confirmed to The Northern Echo last week it was relocating to a new site in Darlington after ‘Closing Down’ notices went up at its current East Street premises.

The company, owned by Newcastle chairman Mike Ashley, will move just yards away to the prime site which used to house the town’s TK Maxx store, until it moved to Darlington Retail Park earlier this year.

The Northern Echo also understands that clothing retailers USC and Flannels, also owned by Mr Ashley, will be opening alongside Sports Direct at the site – a move which has already taken place in other stores across the country.

On Friday, there were fears that Sports Direct would follow other national retailers in pulling out of the town centre.

Signs were put up on the outside of the building and along fencing bordering the nearby River Skerne announcing that prices were being reduced as a result of the closure.

But the firm insisted it was moving to a larger store and was looking forward to continuing its “great relationship” with Darlington.

It is not known how many new jobs will be created as a result of the move.

A spokesperson for Sports Direct said: “We will be announcing plans to open a new store with increased trading space at a different location nearby in the New Year.

“This is part of our store elevation strategy, and we look forward to continuing to have a great relationship with customers in Darlington.”

Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “It is wonderful news that Sports Direct has re-affirmed its commitment to Darlington with the announcement that it will take over the former TK Maxx unit in Crown Street.

“A further boost is the fact this major retailer is not only staying in Darlington, but we believe keen to expand its range, further complementing our great town centre offer.”

TK Maxx moved out of the town centre earlier this year and set up a new store at a vacant unit at Darlington Retail Park off Yarm Road in February.

“We can’t be complacent, and we will continue to do our bit so that people still want to go and do their shopping in the town centre,” said Cllr McEwan.

“We want to have a thriving and robust town centre offering,” he added.