A HAMPSHIRE shopping centre is to undergo a £1m revamp to boost its appeal to shoppers.

Attractive entrances and the introduction of brighter lighting are some of the improvements planned for The Brooks in Winchester following the investment by the landlords Catalyst Capital with the aim of attracting new stores.

The centre is also in talks with a number of gym operators to introduce a new gym franchise on the roof with the aim of tapping into the large student population of Winchester.

The news is a welcome boost for The Brooks after Argos announced it was moving out to open a digital store at Sainsburys in Badger Farm in May.

It has, however, been confirmed that discount clothing store TK Maxx will move into the space vacated by Beales, and is due to open in spring 2018. The unit is currently undergoing a £1.5m reconfiguration.

Catherine Turness, executive director of Winchester BID said: “We are delighted to hear of the centre’s ambitious plans and will continue to support the management team, agent and landlords in bringing their vision to fruition.

“The next five years for the city are crucial. Winchester is embarking on a major development programme and we are pleased to note the redevelopment area for central Winchester is to now include The Brooks.

“The investment indicated by The Brooks and of course the signing of TK Maxx has generated significant commercial interest and we look forward to welcoming new brands into the city to expand and complement Winchester’s retail offering.”

City council leader Caroline Horrill said: “Young people love The Brooks, they aspire to it being developed. They see it as their space with Primark and the new TK Maxx store.

“Our idea is that it could evolve and offer more for the young community.

“I think the feedback we had is more retail for that community rather than them going off to Eastleigh, and there being more space for eating and drinking.”

The 120,000 sq ft shopping centre is currently home to shops including Primark, New Look, Waterstones, HMV and The Entertainer.

But it also has empty units and has rarely been fully let since its launch in 1991.