No date for H&M new store opening

Apr 23 2008 by Graeme King, The Journal

THE opening of a new H&M store at the top of Grey Street in Newcastle still has no definite date some four months after the retailer revealed it was taking over the former Waterstone’s store.

The historic three-floor building offers nearly 11,000 sq ft of space but will require extensive refurbishment to transform it from a bookshop into a fashion retailer.

However the company has confirmed the prominent site will house a second H&M store, along similar lines to the outlet it runs on Northumberland Street – and not a different brand, as was first reported.

A spokeswoman for H&M said: “It will be a new H&M store with ladies, men’s and children’s clothes. It won’t be this month. It will open this spring or summer.

“The building needs a new interior – there is a lot of work that needs to be done.”

Meanwhile, the nearby former Boots store on Blackett Street has been sub-divided as agents Sanderson Weatherall and nb real estate market the property, with fashion chains the most likely tenants.

Bob Fletcher of Sanderson Weatherall said one deal has just been concluded with Castle Galleries at around £140,000 for the unit next to Body Shop.

The agents are seeking around £250,000 per annum for the first 2,500sq ft unit next to the Newcastle United store, and approximately £140,000 for the 959sq ft of the second unit.