A struggling shopping centre has taken the next step in its revitalisation after signing a deal for a firm to run 10 promotional spaces inside.

The Priory in Dartford has agreed a partnership with Space to trade, a retail space specialist, which will operate a series of pop-up stands inside the mall.

The shopping centre, which went into receivership in December 2013, was bought for £33 million by property fund Curzon Capital Partners III last year and is managed by investor Ellandi.

Space to trade managing director Paul Clifford said: “We are looking forward to working with the Priory to be part of the revitalising of the town.

“We will always aim to find the right shopping centre or town centre venue for brands across the UK, but the way we work is very different to our competitors.

“It has to be the right retailer in the right space. We work closely with our mall retailers, helping them with the most modern and engaging design for their stand, through to the financial projections.”

Priory shopping centre has 31 stores including Wilkinsons, 99p Stores, Poundland, Superdrug and McDonalds.

Centre manager Shelley Filippi said: “The centre has gone through many changes and improvements recently and we are looking forward to working with Space to trade – we believe that in partnership can improve mall trader offer and complement our existing retail mix.”