Two new stores have confirmed they will move into a shopping centre plot left vacant by HMV’s shock departure.

The chain ditched its shop at Whitefriars shopping centre in Canterbury on March 24, having filled the unit formerly occupied by Monsoon and Accessorize in 2022.

Since then, Whitefriars bosses have moved quickly to secure new tenants – a move which will see the 4,000sq ft site split into two.

Space NK and ProCook are both set to open later this year, though an exact date is yet to be confirmed.

ProCook, a cookware and kitchenware brand with more than 20 years of experience, will neighbour River Island.

Joe Pennington, ProCook’s retail director, said: "We're excited to announce our upcoming plans to open a ProCook store in Whitefriars later this year, as part of our continued expansion strategy.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to bring ProCook to Canterbury and nearby communities, allowing local customers to explore our range of products in person at our dedicated retail space.”

Space NK, which was founded in 1971 and opened its first store in Covent Garden in 1993, will take the slot next to Moss.

The brand has now opened 72 stores across the UK and Ireland and will also open a new branch at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Greenhithe on Thursday (April 17).

Bosses at NewRiver, which manages the facility on behalf of owners Canterbury City Council, say the arrivals will create more than 35 new jobs in the city and called it “great news”.

Asset manager Jemma Stacey said: “We are delighted to welcome two high-quality national operators to Whitefriars, highlighting the confidence in Canterbury, and Whitefriars as the retail hub of the city.

“Both brands will be new entrants to the city and offer excellent new experiences and products to shoppers, broadening our already comprehensive fashion and lifestyle offer.

“We are very excited to see the new stores open later in the year and wish both retailers every success.”