A STRUGGLING Hampshire shopping centre is set for refurbishment after a multi-million pound takeover.

New owner Catalyst Capital has promised to “completely revitalise” The Brooks Centre in Winchester.

The company says the move will attract much needed new retailers to the city.

The real estate firm announced its plans after a £55 million takeover of the property empire previously owned by the De Stefano Property Group, which collapsed last year.

The Brooks, is home to shops including Primark and British Home Stores.

It has been rarely fully let since its launch in the early 1990s but is considered a crown jewel of the 19-strong portfolio.

Ilan Goldman, European director of Catalyst Capital, said: ‘We are delighted to become the new owner of The Brooks and are looking forward to showing the city what we have planned.

“Our proposed investment into the scheme will attract new retailers which will complement the existing offer thereby re-establishing it as a key retail destination in Winchester.

“This will enable it to benefit from other local developments in the city.”

TH Real Estate, the firm behind the neighbouring Silver Hill scheme, had considered purchasing and demolishing The Brooks if the likely buyer intended to take it downmarket.

The area would have been integrated into Silver Hill to protect the prestige of its high-end tenants, development director Martin Perry said in January.

Liz Marsden, of The Brooks, said: “This fantastic news gives shoppers the opportunity to rediscover just what The Brooks has to offer.

“We are keen to get started and work closely with the Catalyst team to transform the centre into a place that the local community and visitors to the area will enjoy.

“This is a very exciting time and we look forward to welcoming new retailers into the centre.”

Cllr Steve Miller, portfolio holder for estates, said: “The future of the centre will be much more secure now that the management are proposing to carry out a refurbishment, which it is anticipated will help improve the environment for both retailers and shoppers.

“It is hoped that under new management the centre will attract additional retailers to complement the existing shops and enhance the retail offer in the city for residents and tourists alike.”