A MAJOR retailer is set to move into The Brooks Shopping Centre in Winchester.

It has been confirmed that discount clothing store TK Maxx will move into the space vacated by Beales last August.

The news is a welcome boost for The Brooks, after Argos announced they were moving out to open a new digital store at Sainsbury's in Badger Farm.

The arrival of TK Maxx, will not come as a surprise to some, as it has been rumoured for months that the retailer are due to move in.

Currently work is underway to ready the store, which is 25,000 square feet on two floors.

It is not yet known how many jobs this will create.

In a press release KLM retail stated: "The letting of TK Maxx is expected to act as a catalyst for for further retail lettings to brands which have been awaiting the the outcome of the former Beales space.

"Negotiations are already underway with a number of national names to complement the existing line up which includes HMV, New Look and Primark."

The news has been welcomed by Winchester Business Improvement District (BID). Executive director Catherine Turness said: "I am really excited that TK Maxx has committed to the city it is a great move and it is a great move for The Brooks.

"I know that the Brooks has plans for the future that they are hoping to share in the next few weeks, and if anything it assures the tenants with the Brooks that reinvestment is being made and it is a great brand for Winchester and also means new jobs for local people.

"The great thing about TK Maxx is it does other things as well as clothes."

City councillor Ian Tait also believes TK Maxx moving in sends out a message that Winchester is open for business.

he said: "For the Brooks it is really good news, it is comparable to Primark and it will really be a boost for The Brooks, it will give a clear statement for the people who say that Winchester is dying and The Brooks is dying."