THE £90 million Churchill Square redevelopment should give a big boost to town centre shopping in Brighton when it opens later this year.

But there is always a danger that a modern centre will suck the life out of surrounding streets as shops move to be part of it. The good news is that Brighton will have enough vitality to make the surrounding area a big complementary attraction. Boots has announced a renovation costing up to £3 million that will make its Clock Tower store light, bright and welcoming. There are plans for a new restaurant at the corner of Air Street and North Street Quadrant, while another large restaurant complex is planned for the eastern half of the current Debenhams store. North Laine and The Lanes are also bustling and booming, providing nearby and different shopping and entertainment areas for people drawn to the new Churchill Square.

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