The next phase of the redevelopment of the Buttermarket centre is due to kick in next month with the move of TK Maxx downstairs.

The store is due to move on February 18 into a new unit created on the ground floor of the store.

That will allow work to get underway to demolish the first-floor store to make way for the construction of a new 12-screen multiplex, which will be run by Empire Cinemas when the centre opens at the end of the year.

TK Maxx is the second store to move as part of the multi-million pound redevelopment of the centre which will result in the creation of a £35m leisure-based complex.

As well as the cinema, there will be several family restaurants within the centre, including Wagamama, Five Guys, and Prezzo.

The redevelopment is being undertaken by developers London and Regional and the Drum Property Group. Last weekend huge pieces of machinery were delivered to the project with a massive crane lifting them from Falcon Street.

The reconstruction of the centre is seen as one of the main planks of efforts to bring new life to the town centre – and work is now well on schedule to complete the work by the end of the year.

The Arras Square entrance to the centre no only leads to the escalator to TK Maxx, with the main entrance to the centre’s stores coming from the Butter Market street.