By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 11:24, Saturday, 09 February 2013

Workington town centre has been handed some good news following the blow that HMV has been earmarked for closure as an outdoor clothing store will move into one of the empty units.

Granite is due to open its doors at the end of the month in the former Autonomy shop.

Dave Fletcher, Washington Square Shopping Centre’s development manager, said the closure of HMV was “very sad news” for the town but he would continue to work with administrators Deloitte to see if a deal could be reached to keep it.

He said the opening of Granite was “great for Workington”.

The unit, which is next door to Costa, has been previously used by the town’s camera club to display its work.

An announcement was made on Thursday that Workington’s HMV store was among the 66 across the country earmarked for closure.

HMV went into administration last month after facing intense competition from online retailers, digital downloads and supermarkets.

But hopes of a rescue deal were raised after restructuring firm Hilco bought the company’s £176m of debt.

The stores earmarked for closure employ 930 staff, Deloitte said, with 10 at Workington. The Carlisle branch is to remain open.

First published at 11:11, Saturday, 09 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk