A FORMER high street retail store has been turned into a vaccination centre inside a popular shopping centre.

The site of former high street fashion brand Topshop has been gutted and turned into a coronavirus vaccination centre, with those eager to be jabbed expected to use the venue "soon".

Pictures taken from Churchill Square, Brighton, show life returning to the once vacant unit which has remained empty for half a year since the fashion brands collapse in February.

A giant sign reading "Covid-19 vaccination centre" replaces the Topshop branding along with the message "welcome to our Covid vaccination centre. Walk-ins welcome."

No date has been advertised for the centre's opening but window signs suggest residents will be able to use the venue "soon".

The Argus: The former Topshop site has been turned into a vaccination centre The former Topshop site has been turned into a vaccination centre

The devastating news for the high street came on February 1 as online fashion retailer Asos secured a £265 million takeover of Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT amid the collapse of the Arcadia empire.

The flagship Topshop and Topman store in Brighton's Churchill Square was tripped of stock and fittings.

Some internal fittings such as shelves and rails remained, but the majority of the shop laid bare for six months.

Following the sale of Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT to Asos, administrators for Sir Philip Green's retail group said the online retailer had paid an additional £65 million for current and pre-ordered stock.

At the time, Asos chief executive Nick Beighton said: "We are extremely proud to be the new owners of the Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT brands.

"The acquisition of these iconic British brands is a hugely exciting moment for Asos and our customers and will help accelerate our multi-brand platform strategy.

"We have been central to driving their recent growth online and, under our ownership, we will develop them further, using our design, marketing, technology and logistics expertise, and working closely with key strategic retail partners in the UK and around the world."