A HUGE long-standing department store closed its doors for good in the Metrocentre at the weekend.

The House of Fraser permanently shuttered its doors on Sunday as it marked the last day of trade after decades in the shopping centre.   

House of Fraser bosses previously said they had been unable to reach an agreement to continue its tenancy at the Metrocentre.

Read more: Disney confirm store in Metrocentre will permanently shut

Earlier this year, closing down signs offering a further 20 percent of remaining goods and products were seen as they went up.

The Northern Echo:

The department store, which spanned over two storeys in the town centre, had its own cafes and even external entrances.

Closing for good at the weekend, very few products left could be seen as a number of fixtures and fittings appeared to have already been removed.

A Frasers Group spokesperson said: “It is with regret that we have been unable to reach an agreement to continue our tenancy at House of Fraser, Metrocentre.

"Our commitment to the future of Frasers remains but, to ensure its longevity on the UK High Street, we recognise the need to address running costs – including rents and business rates.

“We are however committed to a future at Metrocentre and therefore, will be working collaboratively with landlords, Sovereign Centros to deliver a Flannels flagship in 2022.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff for their hard work and dedication.

"Where possible, we are committed to finding new roles within the group for all staff affected.”

It comes as Harrods H Beauty is set open in the Metrocentre next year, with bosses already confirming it will open in the Town Square.

Currently, the Town Square features retailers including O2, Beaverbrooks, Costa Coffee, House of Fraser and an empty unit once occupied by Oasis fashion.

It has since been suggested that the new H Beauty store could potentially move into part of the site, but bosses have remained tight-lipped on its expected location.

Ben Cox of Sovereign Centros, which runs the Metrocentre, said:  “We are working with Frasers Group on the delivery of a Flannels flagship at Metrocentre.

"Additionally, we are already in talks with a number of the concessions within the House of Fraser store and hope that many of the current brands will remain and their staff will be redeployed."

Earlier this month, The Northern Echo revealed Disney would close its doors for good later this month.

In a statement, a Disney spokesperson said the last day of trade in the Platinum Mall would be Sunday, September 19.

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