A CLOTHES shop is planning to open a new branch in a shopping centre’s flagship unit, which has been closed for more than a year.

Retailer M&Co is planning to open its biggest UK store at the Prince Bishop’s Shopping Centre in Durham.

The clothes shop will open in the unit formerly occupied by BHS in November, which has been empty since the store went into administration in 2016.

A spokeswoman for the company said the new store will employ 30 people will operate over 14,000 square feet and will offer fashion and clothing for women, men, teens, children and babies as well as homeware and accessories.

It is set to open on Saturday, November 18.

The shopping centre is also set to welcome fashion trader Rupert & Buckley, which specialises in clothing aimed at the student market.

The independent retailer, which was founded in 2011, will opening later this month in the unit previously occupied by Claire’s Accessories.

Richard Toynbee, centre manager, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming M&Co to Prince Bishops and Durham City, just in time for Christmas.

“We have agreed a short term lease with M&Co bringing the unit back to life and adding to the retail offer within Prince Bishops Shopping Centre.

“This letting provides the owners the opportunity to continue to investigate the longer term options for the future use of the space along with potential development opportunities.

“Rupert & Buckley will also be a fantastic addition to our fashion line up and we are delighted that they have chosen Durham city and Prince Bishops Shopping Centre for their latest store.”

Steve Knott, M&Co’s executive chairman, said: “Everyone at M&Co is delighted to be opening our fabulous new store in Durham.

“We are also really grateful to all at The Prince Bishops Shopping Centre for their fantastic help and support.

“We look forward to welcoming all our new customers to this exciting store full of amazing fashion supported by M&Co’s famous friendly and knowledgeable service.”

M&Co was established as Mackays in 1834 and has been trading under its current name for more than 50 years. It has around 300 stores across the country and the one in Durham will be its largest to date.

BHS had been the anchor store at Prince Bishop’s and one of the biggest in Durham city centre prior to its closure last year.