A big-name retail brand is returning to Middlesbrough town centre in a move predicted to be popular with shoppers.
TJ Hughes is set to move into a recently vacated unit in the Cleveland Centre, with fit out work set to begin next week.
The leading retailer will bring 25 new jobs to the town with recruitment now underway.
Mayor Chris Cooke has welcomed the retailer’s return to Middlesbrough.
“Our aim has always been to see our town centre busy and thriving, and shopping is a part of that mix,” he said.
“The fact that TJ Hughes has decided that now is the time to return to Middlesbrough is an endorsement of our ongoing work to transform our town centre into a hub of activity, meeting the needs of everyone in the town – whether that be housing, work, education or health.
“New leisure destinations at Captain Cook Square and Exchange Square also support our brilliant existing food, drink and hospitality industry and encourage visitors from across Middlesbrough and further afield into the town centre.
“But retail is equally important. I know this move will be popular with shoppers and we’ll continue to do everything we can to support shops coming to Middlesbrough.”
Jason Harmer, Chief Operating Officer at TJ Hughes, said: “This represents an important move for us. It’s a very well-located site that’s convenient for the majority of shoppers and therefore should be good for the town and good for the brand.
“Importantly, it brings TJs back to Middlesbrough where we have a great history.
“All-in-all there will be 25 staff working at the new Middlesbrough store and recruitment is now underway. It’s a really exciting time to be back and this move will be the latest addition to our era of growth.”
TJ Hughes had previously operated in Captain Cook Square, now a leading regional leisure destination, with the building later turned into the two-floor family entertainment centre Level X.
The discount department store offers customers a wide range of products including clothing, home appliances and items for the garden.
It will now move to the former H&M and Leading Labels unit in the Cleveland Centre, joining big names like HMV, JD Sports, Foot Locker and New Look.
The retailer’s new tenancy – with talks ongoing for more potential new leases – will also see occupancy rates at the Middlesbrough Council-owned shopping centre bucking the UK trend of retail decline.