Health and beauty chain Bodycare is due to open in Trowbridge in July as work gets underway to fit out the shop.

It sells big brand health and beauty items and will be taking a unit in The Shires shopping centre.

The unit was formerly occupied by Sports Direct who left in August last year to move across Bythesea Road to the Gateway shopping mall.

The large unit being taken by Bodycare is one of the anchor stores in The Shires and in a prominent position at the centre of the shopping mall.

Wiltshire Times: Bodycare is moving into the former Sports Direct unit in The Shires shopping centre.Bodycare is moving into the former Sports Direct unit in The Shires shopping centre. (Image: Bodycare)

Sarah Moore, centre manager at The Shires, said: “Work starts on Monday to fit out the store and is likely to take around four weeks.

“We are hoping that Bodycare will be in a position to open the store by mid-July.

Bodycare sells a range of more than 3,000 beauty, cosmetic and personal care products, both online and through its chain of shops nationwide.

Bodycare has been approached for more details and a comment.

The company, based in Leyland, Lancashire, was launched by Graham and Margaret Blackledge in 1970 on a market stall.

Bodycare now has 130 branches across the UK, predominantly in the north of England, and including two in Bristol and one in Swindon.

The company is looking to strengthen its store portfolio, with 20 new stores opening in 2024.

The first floor space above the Bodycare retail store has planning permission for conversion to four residential flats.