SPANISH clothing giant Zara has announced it is moving into the former BHS store in Brighton.

The Churchill Square Shopping Centre shop has been empty since the department store closed in August last year.

Now it will be transformed into a huge 37,000 sq ft flagship store for the leading global fashion brand.

Shopping centre bosses also announced yesterday that the US based lingerie store Victoria’s Secret will be moving into the upper level store that used to house HMV.

Mark Buchanan-Smith, Churchill Square centre director, said he was thrilled to be able to make the double announcement.

He said: “Victoria’s Secret has committed to a long-term lease on the unit formerly occupied by HMV in our upper mall.

“The Churchill Square store will be one of only 30 planned in the UK and continues the brand’s expansion across the country.

“These lettings will boost Churchill Square’s appeal as a major fashion shopping destination.”

He said the decision by Victoria’s Secret to open showed that Brighton and Churchill Square have increasing pulling power when it comes to global fashion brands.

The store is due to open in late spring.

There is no official opening date for Zara with shopping centre bosses stating it would be “later in the year”.

Zara already has two shops in the centre: one for clothes and another for home products.

Mr Buchanan-Smith added: “Our continuing appeal is underlined by Zara doubling its presence after ten years at the centre.

“Zara will take up the majority of the former BHS and will trade from both mall levels, with its existing store remaining open to shoppers throughout any development work.

“Zara Home will also continue operating from a separate standalone store in the centre.”

It is not yet clear if the existing Zara clothes shop will close once their flagship store is opened.

Mr Buchanan-Smith added “Everyone here is excited to welcome them to the centre and we’re delighted to have been able to expand our offering to the millions of shoppers we attract each year.”

BHS closed in August last year after the company went into administration in April.

Its demise was secured after retail billionaire Sir Philip Green sold the chain to serial bankrupt Dominic Chappell for £1 in 2015.

As well as the Churchill Square store, six others closed across Sussex including in Worthing, Horsham, Eastbourne, Crawley, Chichester and Hastings.

Hundreds of workers lost their jobs including dozens in Brighton.