A business has shut in another blow to a shopping centre.

Technology and software company, RTMS has closed its store at the Royal Star Arcade in Maidstone town centre.

Its former home in units 15 and 16 has been recently listed on Harrison’s Chartered Surveyors website to let for £45,000 a year.

It is described as “a large ground-floor retail unit fronting a food court area” which is “undercover for all-year-round use”.

Toilet facilities and a kitchen area are also provided.

The 2,000 to 2,500 sq ft space has been advertised as being available for retail or restaurant use, and the units can be split into two or three smaller ones if required.

The Royal Star Arcade in the centre of town connects the High Street with Market Buildings and Earl Street.

It can house up to 28 retail units and is already home to the successful Pad Thai Live, and its sister beach-themed bar.

But, over the years it has come under scrutiny as a number of businesses within the shopping centre have been put on the market.

There have been a string of closures, including the Royal Star Cafe,Rainbow Skull vegan grill, Maidstone Health Foods and Custom & Co jewellers.

Most recently Iris Hair and Beauty Salon shut in May after the landlords engaged bailiffs to recover the lease.

But, last April, KentOnline reported how the shopping centre was “at a turning point” as new shops began to fill empty units.

It came as cafe, Koffee and Buns opened in the centre after its parent firm, Easydine, found success selling street food at nearby Lockmeadow’s food hall.

Highly-rated burger eatery Skull Bar had been looking to expand into its neighbouring unit and in July, witchcraft and psychic store Grimhilda's launched.

Speaking to KentOnline at the time, Richy Williams, who runs Pad Thai and The Beach Bar said: “My feelings are that the shopping centre is turning itself around, and things are starting to reopen.

“Things are positive really, genuinely. We’re looking forward to the summer - it’s warmer and that’s when things pick up.”