YATE'S SHOEZONE in the shopping centre's South Walk is doubling the size of its footprint by extending into the former FJ Hinds jewellers’ shop.

Work started on the conversion at the beginning of July and the enlarged store is due to open in early to mid- August.

Andrew Lowrey, shopping centre manager, said: “Shoe Zone has always proved a very popular attraction and the relocation of the FJ Hinds to the corner of South Walk and the Central Square gave them the ideal opportunity to expand.

“There are now just seven vacant retail units in the centre out of a total of 110 units so it is a very pleasing level of occupancy.

"Several of these vacant units are currently in the hands of the legal teams so hopefully there will be more good news in the future.

"Furthermore, Hays Travel in East Walk is currently going through a refurbishment and is due to re-open on July 23, all of which is very positive.”

Details on all the stores in Yate Shopping Centre are available on the centre’s website at www.yateshoppingcentre.co.uk