A HOMEWARE store is hoping to brighten up a town centre building that was previously the home of a famous furniture business.

Lancashire-based discount furniture and lighting purveyors Brand Interiors has opened up a new store in the old Gregory and Porritts premises in Knowsley Street.

The iconic furniture shop was in business in the town centre for 118 years before closing its doors two years ago.

After securing the lease for the building, Brand Interiors bosses have been busy filling the shop with living, dining and bedroom furniture as well as brand name accessories.

Shoppers will also be able to purchase a range of exclusive lighting at the shop.

The new store is set over two floors, covering a huge 15,000 sq ft space.

The shop is opening at what is seen as an exciting time for the nearby area, with progress on the multi-million pound development of the nearby Market Place Shopping Centre, which is expected to open towards the end of the year.

It is hoped that the new cinema, shops and restaurants will increase the number of people visiting the town centre, a factor that Brand Interiors bosses were very aware of when settling on their latest site.

Marketing Manager Sam Ablard said: “We have been looking for a site in and around the Bolton area for the past 12 months and the opportunity to move into the old Gregory and Porritts building was just the perfect match for us.

“With the investment taking place in the Market Place Shopping Centre across the road from the shop we felt that this was a great time to open a new store in the area.”

The company has outlets across the North West in locations including Preston, Rawtenstall, Skipton, Southport, Stockport and Stoke.

The Brand Interiors head office is currently based in Colne in Lancashire but the marketing department will be moving to an office in Bolton soon after the new store has opened.

Bosses are currently continuing the interview process and are looking to employ 12 members of staff in total, including a store manager, an assistant manager, sales assistants and a new member of the marketing team.

The company prides itself on selling well known high street brands at a minimum of half of the price.

Ms Ablard said: “I think that is where we differ from most other furniture stores is that we offer these high street brands at low prices and we are really excited to welcome Bolton shoppers into our new store to enjoy the range.”

“With the inclusion of the exclusive lighting range we will be offering everything needed for the home and we are all very confident that Bolton will be a great addition to the Brand Interiors group.”