National retailer moves in to vacant Leicestershire store
A Sports Direct store will bring footfall and vibrancy to Market Harborough, landlords say, after striking a deal to bring a vacant former Poundland back into use.
The 11,600 sq ft building near Coventry Street has been empty since 9 October, included in a swathe of closures by the Midlands based discounter following its takeover by American investment firm Gordon Brothers.
The building is owned by Harborough District Commercial Services, a private company set up by Harborough District Council in 2019.
Now, the premises is set for a new lease of life after agents Space Retail Property Consultants and Rand Chartered Surveyors completed a deal with Sports Direct, who have now kicked off a refit of the store ahead of a planned opening later this month.
The building had been advertised with Space Retail with an annual rent of £65,000 per year.
Harborough council Leader Cllr Phil Knowles said the deal was evidence that Market Harborough was “bucking the national trend” for High Street retail, while Harborough District Commercial Services said the deal would enhance shopping options for residents and visitors.
Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council said: “Sports Direct will be joining many other big brands in Market Harborough, bringing further footfall and vibrancy to the town as well as employment opportunities for people in the town and surrounding areas.
“This is a great strategic piece of work by the Directors of Harborough District Commercial Servicers Limited to secure a further big name and national brand to Market Harborough.
“A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to bring this to fruition and further work is now taking place to enable the store to open before Christmas. I am also delighted for the town’s businesses who will also benefit from increased footfall. Market Harborough continues to buck the national trend and is definitely the place to be for businesses and shoppers.”
Fit out work to reconfigure the store is scheduled to begin on 10 November, with a target date for the store opening in time for Christmas shoppers on 28 November.
