TJ HUGHES is relocating to the Poundland unit in Church Square Shopping Centre, ahead of closure of The Hardshaw Centre.

The store is aiming for a pre-Christmas opening and shoppers can expect the store to offer a wide range of premium brands.

With the Hardshaw Centre set to be demolished as part of the ambitious regeneration plans for St Helens, various businesses have been in talks to relocate elsewhere.

Predominantly, the moves have focused on putting stores into Church Square or Church Street to consolidate St Helens' retail sector.

The likes of Bonmarche have already made the switch.

TJs will move into the space in the centre that is occupied by Poundland, meaning it will sit alongside the likes of Boots, H Samuel and River Island.

Speaking on TJ's behalf, company owner Anil Juneja said: “Anyone who knows St Helens will appreciate that the town is undergoing a dramatic transformation and, as a business that has always sought to maintain a strong presence in Merseyside, we’re proud to be playing our part in that.

“We’re moving from our old site at the Hardshaw Centre and launching our new store at Church Square.

“It means that we’ll be safeguarding all the jobs that the original site supported but, equally importantly, it will give us a more central location.

“It will be more convenient for shoppers, better for our own visibility and it will give us a solid platform for further growth.

"We’ll only be moving about 250 metres down the road but it still feels like an important and positive step”

Steve Brogan, centre manager of Church Square Shopping Centre, added: “We are looking forward to welcoming TJ Hughes and their customers to Church Square.

"We are really pleased to be consolidating the retail assets in St Helens at Church Square and believe that TJ Hughes will complement the mix of retailers at the Centre and will be a wonderful addition to the centre.”

The move has been welcomed by St Helens Council.

In a statement Cllr Kate Groucutt, cabinet member for inclusive economy, business and skills, on behalf of St Helens Borough Council stated: “We know shoppers have been keen to keep valued shops like TJ Hughes so we are delighted that they will make the switch to Church Square Shopping Centre.

“We have heard how businesses relocating to the shopping centre have seen an increase in sales as the central retail space in the town centre’s brought closer together.

"I am sure TJ Hughes will further add to the increasingly positive experience shoppers have at Church Square Shopping Centre.

"This move also shows that businesses have confidence in our regeneration plans, which will provide a diverse mix of retail, homes and much more making St Helens town centre fit for the future.”

Meanwhile, Poundland will be moving to Ravenhead Retail Park.