A SPORTS and fashion retailer which is set to occupy a currently empty town centre unit will open its doors to shoppers this weekend.

JD Sports, which has spent the last few months refitting a large premises in the Lion Walk Shopping Centre, is set to officially launch on Saturday.

The clothing and trainer company already has a store in the town’s Culver Square Shopping Centre, although this site is believed to be much larger.

The property, which has been covered with ‘coming soon’ posters since July, was previously home to Topshop and Topman.

The popular brands moved out of the location after Asos confirmed a £265 million takeover of four Arcadia brands, including Miss Selfridge and HIIT.

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At the time, Topshop and Topman’s departure came as another blow to the town centre’s retail offering and followed the news Debenhams would also close.

Caitriona Hunter, director of CBRE Investment Management, which has facilitated the move on behalf of Lion Walk, now believes the acquisition could be a turning point.

She said: “JD Sports joining the scheme is a testament that Lion Walk Colchester continues to be a booming retail destination.

“We have worked collaboratively with JD Sports to be able to deliver this flagship store and provide a space that is engaging for customers and fulfil demand.

“The store marks the confidence retailers have for Lion Walk and bolsters the current line-up, as well as supporting the wider town centre.”

Despite the pandemic, Lion Walk is currently at its highest ever occupancy and footfall and said to attract as many as 180,000 customers per week.

JD Sports is also leading the way in post-pandemic recovery and has recently announced record interim results in the first six months of 2021.

Nigel Keen, group property director for JD Sports, therefore, believes the retail collaboration is a perfect match.

He added: “Despite the challenges of the last 18 months we have worked alongside CBRE on this opportunity for JD to upsize from our current store to Culver Walk.

“This new location allows us to offer an extended and relevant representation of our product range for the benefit of the Colchester consumers.”

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Martin Leatherdale, Lion Walk Shopping centre manager and councillor for Lexden and Braiswick, is also happy with the new addition.

He said: “The new flagship opening of a business as strong and successful as JD Sports is fantastic news for the town and is testament to Lion Walk as a booming shopping destination.

"When we see the owner and co-founder of JD Sports talking about the success of his business despite the last 18 months of challenges, and his desire and admiration of Colchester, it can only be testament to the resilience and future growth of our town."

Colchester’s bid for city status will only serve further to make Colchester an attractive propositions for commercial analysts and new businesses, backed by £19.2 investment from the Government, the future is bright.

"We look forward to welcoming you soon in a safe and diligent manner."