Major brands have lease terminated at Stafford shopping centre by new owners

The Guildhall Shopping Centre was bought by Mercia Real Estate which is "looking to revitalise" the offering of the centre.

Clarks has since closed in the centre after the landlord served notice and The Works is due to close on Sunday. A spokeswoman for the Guildhall Shopping Centre said: "Mercia Real Estate acquired the Guildhall Shopping Centre earlier this month and are looking to revitalise Guildhall’s offer immediately.

"They are planning to work with all stakeholders to discuss the future offering, so the space will be reflective of Stafford’s requirements.

"Whilst it’s sad to see businesses, friends and colleagues leave the Guildhall Shopping Centre, we wish them all the best in their new ventures and look forward to seeing their businesses open and flourish in other retail locations soon."

Clarks closed after the landlord of the store served notice on the premises, the closest high street stores are now, Newcastle Under Lyme, Wolverhampton and Stoke.

The Works is due to close on Sunday after it was given two weeks' notice.

A spokesman for The Works said: “We can confirm our store in the Guildhall Shopping Centre will be closing permanently this weekend. We were recently informed by our new landlord that our lease had been terminated with only two weeks’ notice, which is disappointing given The Works has traded well in Stafford over the last four years and has a loyal customer base in the local area.

"Our customers will still be able to buy their favourite products from The Works online or from nearby stores in Newport and Cannock.”

Bosses at the shopping centre would not confirm why the leases had been terminated or what would be replacing them.