// Sports Direct must keep existing store open despite plans to open a second in Sheffield, the building owner said
// The retailer confirmed it is moving into the former TJ Hughes department store on The Moor
Sports Direct has reportedly been told to keep its existing store open despite plans to open a second in Sheffield city centre.
The retailer confirmed it is moving into the former TJ Hughes department store on The Moor, but has not revealed whether it will remain in its current location – the former House of Fraser at 50 High Street.
The building is owned by Tellon Capital, and partner and co-founder James Burchell said he was unaware of Sports Direct’s intentions, The Star reported.
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However, he said he expected bosses to honour the lease.
“Sports Direct has a lease that lasts until 2024 and we expect them to honour that lease. We have regular communications with occupiers including Sports Direct. But we are not privy to their activities,” Burchell said.
It remains unclear as to whether the new store is in addition to its existing one.
The company submitted plans for new signs above the old TJ Hughes store on The Moor last week.
In 2019, Sports Direct said it had no plans to relocate its current store on the high street.
TJ Hughes has stood empty since it announced it would be closing its store on The Moor back in February last year.
Sheffield commercial agent Paul Lancaster said he was sure Sports Direct would leave 50 High Street.
He said: “Sports Direct tried to come out three years ago but did a deal with the landlord. I’m as sure as I can be the High Street store will shut and I can’t see it being retail again.
“It’s sad seeing the decline of a once thriving street. It’s a shadow of what it was just 10 years ago.”
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