After years of delays, Sports Direct has finally announced opening plans for its latest store in one of Leicester’s most prominent shop units.
The national chain, whose chief executive is Newcastle United owner , has been working on the former BHS department store building in Gallowtree Gate for two years.
When they were first mooted, the plans for a landmark sports store in the 100,000 sq ft unit were described as a “Selfridges of sport”, due to open in 2018, with various brands within the same group opening there, including the Flannels and USC chains.
A luxury Flannels store did open a year or so back at the rear of the site in Halford Street, selling designer labels including Gucci, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana.
An Everlast Fitness Club also opened as part of the redevelopment in 2018.
However, despite USC closing a branch in Highcross shopping centre some months ago, there was little progress on work behind the “opening soon” hoardings that still cover the front on the site - until now.
With construction and shop fit out workers back on site, a spokeswoman for the chain has finally confirmed further details.
She said they were working on a ‘new elevated store concept’, featuring a Sports Direct and USC store spread over four floors and 38,000 sq ft.
Work is now said to be nearing completion, with the spokeswoman confirming that it plans to open the store to customers in early September.
In a statement, Michael Murray, a senior figure at Sports Direct International, said: “This is a major part of Sport Direct’s brand elevation strategy that will see a huge investment in a number of new stores, while upgrading and improving existing ones across the UK.
“This is the strategic vision of the business as it aims to meet the demands of an ever more sophisticated consumer who is increasingly looking for not only good value, but an enhanced shopping experience.”
It comes days after Sports Direct announced that auditor .
Mike Ashley’s retail business told investors earlier this month the accountancy firm was not seeking reappointment as the company’s auditor.
Grant Thornton has audited the company’s accounts since 2007, but the break-up comes weeks after the release of Sports Direct’s annual results was delayed due to a 674 million euro (£624 million) tax claim.
The day before Sports Direct was due to release its results, which had already been delayed once, it discovered the hefty demand from Belgian tax authorities.
