The developers have held out for months to ensure only the right tenants moved into what was once Brighton's most prestigious shopping address.

The former Hanningtons department store used to be known as the Harrods of Brighton but large parts of it have lain empty since the old store closed two years ago.

When the 200-year-old shop was divided into retail units and put up for sale, many expected they would be quickly snapped up by major names in retail.

But a major announcement has been a long time coming - until now, with several major deals about to be completed.

Spanish fashion retailer Mango has taken a 2,500sqft unit and hopes to fit it out over the summer.

Fashion accessory store Ollie & Nic has a further unit under offer.

The fashion outlet has previously only traded as a concession in stores such as Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Saks New York but chose Brighton as the location for its first stand-alone store.

Shoe company Emma P has completed a deal and is already trading while Italian chain Benetton is considering a return to Brighton eight years after quitting its former store in Western Road.

The project has taken a while to get off the ground but developer Regina Estates is confident things are now moving.

Andrew Morrish, director of appointed agents Stiles Harold Williams, said: "We've always held out for fashion and lifestyle retailers. We have turned several operators away because we didn't feel they were bringing anything to the party."

Brighton and Hove's city centre manager Tony Mernagh said: "It's fantastic for Brighton because these are not only well-known shops but very classy outfits. Although it got off to a slow start, I'm sure this has got the ball rolling.

"This site is absolutely key in ensuring North Street achieves its full potential in terms of retail attraction in Brighton.

"Retailers like Mango and Benetton act as a magnet for other similarly high-quality tenants.

"The clock has effectively been turned back 200 years because originally the store was lots of units. It has gone back to its roots."

In September 2000 The Argus broke the news that one of Brighton's best-known landmarks was set to close after being sold off to a private London company.

Details of the deal were kept private but would-be buyers were given a price tag of £23.5 million upwards for the freehold of the store and other buildings.

Hanningtons began as a small linen and drapery store opened by Smith Hannington in 1808.

Its prime site ensured it was a success and it gradually extended along North Street. It thrived throughout the 19th and much of the 20th Centuries and for many years was the largest department store in town.

But although Hanningtons' loyal, largely female, customers continued to patronise the store, it gradually lost ground to the multiples in nearby Western Road and Churchill Square.