AN EMPTY shop in Winchester High Street is set to reopen after almost two years of neglect, a city business leader has said.

The former JJB Sports branch is poised for a relaunch by clothing chain White Stuff this summer after a string of failed takeover deals from other firms.

The premium retail space has become an eyesore since closing in 2013, with legal wrangles and refurbishment costs blocking a successful takeover.

JJB collapsed in 2012 but the Winchester branch continued as a cheap outlet for several months after Sports Direct bought its stock.

White Stuff is expected to relocate from nearby Market Lane in time for the summer tourism boom.

It comes after two restaurant chains pulled out of launches.

Confirming the agreement, Chris Turner, director of Winchester BID, added that the cost of refurbishing Winchester’s historic buildings surprised traders who expected a quick opening.

“This is not small money,” he said. “I think some of those companies look at buildings and think ‘this is going to be gorgeous’ – then realise.

“[They] need to be people with reasonable capital investment strategy and money to put into it. Heritage people in the city are demanding.”

Recent refurbishments in Winchester city centre have cost up to £1m.

A White Stuff spokesman said: “Unfortunately we cannot comment on the Winchester relocation at this time. Information on the shop is not yet readily available.”