H&M takes over former Brighton Woolworths store

The low-cost fashion retailer has confirmed it will open the new store in Western Road.

The former Woolworths has been empty since the company went bust and closed the shop at the end of last year.

Work is already under way to fit out the shop as a planning permission for a new shop front has been granted by Brighton and Hove City Council.

It will be the company's third shop in Brighton as it already has two in Churchill Square shopping centre.

The news that H&M will be moving into the area is another boost for Western Road.

Last week The Argus revealed how celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is opening a branch of his Recipease food emporium chain – his second business in the city following the opening of his Italian restaurant in Black Lion Street last month.

About 60 full and part-time jobs will be created by the new H&M store although exact details, including when it will open, have yet to be confirmed.

A spokeswoman said: “We are always looking for the best possible business locations. It's a prime location in Brighton.

“We are really excited to be opening another site that will complement our existing location.

“Brighton is really important for us.”

Brighton City centre manager Soozie Campbell said: “It's fantastic news. Western Road has been slipping and sliding so to regenerate, it would be fantastic.

“If H&M are going to keep the store in Churchill Square then that's even better.”

Panos Agopian, who owns shoe shop Dance, on Western Road, said the new H&M could lead to more customers for him.

He said: “I've been here for 25 years, I know the street better than anyone else does. It's been declining since Churchill Square opened.

“We are hoping it's going to get better but I don't think this year will be very good for retailing.”

The new Brighton store is part of a global expansion of 225 new stores announced by the company in January.

Business experts predict its offering of low cost fashion should see it do well in the recession.