RETAILERS will be "queueing up" to take the place of a historic Southampton shop after it closes, a councillor has said.

The Daily Echo revealed yesterday that the 75-year-old British Homes Stores outlet on Above Bar Street is planning to close its doors early next year.

The move has put more than 60 jobs at risk and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce chief Stewart Dunn said it highlights the need for retailers to tailor their businesses to compete against online sales.

But Southampton City Councillor John Noon believes the city centre space will not sit vacant after being vacated by British Home Stores.

Mr Noon highlighted the anticipated WestQuay Watermark development as proof that the city centre is not facing a crisis.

He said: "Like lots of people I'm quite disappointed about [the closure] and it's quite unexpected.

"But it's a prime site and I feel it's not going to be closed for long. There's a change in the shape of the city with Watermark and it's an exciting time for the commercial elements of the city centre.

"I am quite certain that there will be a pile of retailers queueing up to move in and it'll be interesting to see which people are interested in the site."

Records show that the 37,000 square foot store has been situated at its current headquarters since 1939 and Mr Dunn said the announcement "strikes at the very heart of the city".

• BHS in Southampton over the years - in pictures >>

It expanded in the 1960s and in 1982 its chairman Sir Maurice Hodgson told the Daily Echo he believed there was a need to create a more attractive and exciting environment, but only four years later the decision was made to scrap its food hall section and another design was unveiled.

Totton resident Linda Matthews, 53, said she was upset to hear about the closure of the shop, which holds fond memories for her.

She said: "It's a real shame and it's been there since I can remember.

"I always get my mum to get my BHS vouchers because it's the shop I like to go in.

"I will miss it when it's gone."