FASHION retailer H&M is set to create about 20 jobs with a new a store at Huddersfield’s Kingsgate Centre.
The Swedish-owned company is to open this autumn following work to create a new 17,000sq ft store.
H&M, which sells clothes for men and women, teenagers and children has taken a 10-year lease at an annual rent of £275,000 in a deal brokered by property agent King Sturge in Leeds.
Kingsgate owner WD Huddersfield will knock through units 20 and 20A to provide 7,000sq ft as well as adding a first floor above to create a further 10,000sq ft for the H&M store.
Marshall Construction, of Elland, has been appointed to carry out the £1m scheme to create space for the new store. Work will start this spring.
Once the work is completed, H&M will become the third largest store in the shopping centre – complementing existing retailers including House of Fraser, Next, Clintons, River Island, TK Maxx and Currys.
A spokeswoman for H&M said: “I am pleased to confirm that we have signed a lease to open an H&M store in Kingsgate.
“We’re very much looking forward to opening there in the autumn and hope that the H&M business concept of fashion and quality at the best price for the whole family will be well received by local residents.”
The spokeswoman said employee numbers had yet to be finalised, but that on average opening a new store would result in about 20 full and part-time jobs being created.”
Jonathan Newns, head of King Sturge’s in-town retail team, said: “Attracting H&M to Kingsgate reinforces growing interest in the scheme from well-known national and international brands.
“While all units are now occupied, we are looking to engineer other opportunities to accommodate similar retailers .”
WD director Peter Everest said: “We are delighted to confirm this latest signing which further strengthens the tenant mix and will continue attract shoppers to Huddersfield.”
Mr Everest said: “H&M is a major name and was the major omission in the line-up of retailers in Huddersfield.
“It has taken an awful lot of effort to manoeuvre them in, but this is a vibrant retailer which will reinvigorate the Kingsgate scheme.”
Mr Everest said footfall had fallen during the past 12 months, but said: “We are full now that H&M is on board, consumer spend is holding up reasonably well and Kingsgate is doing much better than the majority of centres throughout the country.”
The arrival of H&M was also welcomed by Kirklees Council cabinet member for regeneration Clr Peter McBride, who said: “The local authority is committed to working with business owners to enhance the shopping experience in Huddersfield town centre.
“The arrival of a store of H&M’s reputation is very welcome.
“It will contribute towards the diversification of retail in the town and help increase the number of shoppers visiting Huddersfield.”
H&M, standing for Hennes & Mauritz, numbers celebrities Sophie Ellis Bextor and Katherine Jenkins among its high-profile customers.
