HIGH street giant HMV is returning to Churchill Square shopping centre only nine months after it left.

It is moving into part of the former BHS building which has been empty since August 2016.

The music store moved out of its store inside Brighton’s shopping centre in January citing increased costs.

The announcement came three months after the business reported losses of £8.8 million in one year.

Now it has told The Argus it will reopen later this month.

Neil Taylor, HMV operations director, said: “We are delighted to be opening a new HMV store back in Churchill Square, Brighton, which will open later this month.

“We are extremely proud of our heritage and our dedicated staff, who, like our customers, share a passion for the best music and film, tech, t-shirts, gifts and collectables.

“It’s great to announce that HMV is back in Brighton and we look forward to opening our doors very soon.

“Revered for its creative atmosphere, Brighton has been home to some of the UK’s best loved music acts including Fatboy Slim and Rizzle Kicks.

“Its long lasting ties to the arts means it’s a perfect fit for HMV the home of entertainment.”

News that the former BHS site is being filled will serve as a boost to the city’s economy.

BHS went into receivership after administrators failed to find a buyer for the retailer.

The business was wound down, resulting in the loss of around 11,000 jobs nationally.

The retail giant had stores in seven Sussex towns including a flagship store in Churchill Square.

When HMV closed in Brighton earlier this year, bosses promised they would look for an alternative site in the city.

They said the company had traded in Brighton since 1970 and it remained an important location. An exact opening date has not yet been announced but work is already being carried out on the store.

HMV bosses have not yet said how much of the BHS store the record shop will occupy.