A COUNCILLOR says it is "awful to see all these empty shops" as another big name quits the city. 

Contemporary furniture store Heal’s is to close its Brighton store after 15 years of trading.

The landlord of the building has chosen not to renew Heal's tenancy, as the lease has come to an end, the shop said.

The store in Duke Street will shut for good in April – just another in a long list, said Councillor Carol Theobald, a former mayor.

Cllr Theobald, who was also a member of the overview and scrutiny panel for 2012’s retail sector plan, said: “It’s a shame. Brighton is changing and it’s awful just to see all these empty shops.

The Argus: Heal's in Duke Street opened in 2007Heal's in Duke Street opened in 2007

“Heal’s has lots of nice furniture in there, nice and modern. It’s a real pity. Brighton’s certainly not like it used to be, it’s such a shame.

“We’ve lost lots of shops. It’s difficult to go shopping anywhere really because you can’t find anything.

“The costs have all gone up if you want to take over a store and do some work on it, it’s difficult for people.”

The Argus: Cllr Theobald was on the overview panel of Brighton's retails plan in 2012Cllr Theobald was on the overview panel of Brighton's retails plan in 2012

News of the closure was made via Heal’s website, which also mentioned that new locations will open elsewhere.

Canterbury and York are set to welcome stores soon, but it is not clear whether a new branch will open on the South Coast.

Heal’s Brighton is spread across five floors. It is one of seven stores in the chain and one of only three outside London.

It is just the latest shop to close. Less than a fortnight ago T H Baker Jewellers in Churchill Square announced it was shutting down.

“We used to be known for our stores, but now we haven’t got any,” said Cllr Theobald.

The Argus: The Brighton store will close in AprilThe Brighton store will close in April

“Brighton is changing, and it’s really just awful to see all these empty shops.”

The Argus has contacted Brighton and Hove City Council and Heal's for comment.

READ MORE: Magazine Brighton shop to close after seven years of business

Heal's announcement said: "Sadly we are soon to be closing our Brighton store, visit us on Duke Street until April to shop our large range of clearance pieces up to 50 per cent off. We will be opening new locations soon, follow us on social media for updates."