Superdrug is leaving Dover’s precinct for the St James’ development.

A statement from the health and beauty store chain, which has a branch in Biggin Street, says that it is going the £53 million retail and leisure complex off Townwall Street.

It said: ‘We are delighted to confirm that we are relocating to Dover St James’ in March.

“Our store team will move to the new site and we look forward to welcoming customers into store for their beauty and grooming essentials, as well as introducing our new Beauty Studio area.”

Superdrug’s move from Biggin Street will add to the worry of drainage of business, mainly big brand names, from the precinct as St James’ opens.

The phased opening of the is expected to happen by the spring.

Marks and Spencer as long as two years ago said it would leave its Biggin Street branch for the new complex.

The present clothes and foods store will be replaced by a food hall an this is expected to happen in February.

Meanwhile Greggs the bakers said they would have premises in both places.

Other chain stores are opening branches at St James and it has not been confirmed to the Mercury whether they will abandon the precinct.

The precinct, from Market Square to the Town Hall is dwindling with 12 empty shop units with the leaving of McDonald’s in November.

Traders and councillor hope that the area can be kept alive through the arrival of more niche stores, such as those in Folkestone’s Old High Street.

Dover’s cabinet on January 15 voted for an number of strategies to help the area.

These included rebranding the precinct the Old Town, clear signposting to encourage visitors to go to both areas and possible business rate relief.