A HUGE department store in the Metrocentre will close for good next month as bosses remain quiet on whether Harrods will take over the site next year.
House of Fraser will permanently close its doors on September 12 after years as one of the centre's flagship tenants.
Closing Down signs were earlier this month spotted going up as the retailer started selling off its goods at discount prices.
Read more: Harrods to open H Beauty and champagne bar in Gateshead's Metrocentre
In a statement issued earlier this month, the Frasers Group which owns House of Fraser said it had been unable to reach an agreement to continue its tenancy.
Meanwhile, Metrocentre bosses said they were in talks with a number of concessions within House of Fraser saying it "hoped" many of the current brands would remain.
A Frasers Group spokesperson said: “It is with regret that we have been unable to reach an agreement to continue our tenancy at House of Fraser, Metrocentre.
"Our commitment to the future of Frasers remains but, to ensure its longevity on the UK High Street, we recognise the need to address running costs – including rents and business rates.
“We are however committed to a future at Metrocentre and therefore, will be working collaboratively with landlords, Sovereign Centros to deliver a Flannels flagship in 2022.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff for their hard work and dedication.
"Where possible, we are committed to finding new roles within the group for all staff affected.”
Read more: Metrocentre reveals first of NEW store locations after shake-up begins
It was last month confirmed Harrods H Beauty would open a 30,000 sq ft unit in the 'Town Square,' although no further details of its location were revealed.
Currently, the Town Square features retailers including O2, Beaverbrooks, Costa Coffee, House of Fraser and an empty unit once occupied by Oasis fashion.
It has since been suggested that the new H Beauty store could potentially move into part of the site, but bosses have remained tight-lipped on its expected location.
Ben Cox of Sovereign Centros, which runs the Metrocentre, said: “We are working with Frasers Group on the delivery of a Flannels flagship at Metrocentre.
"Additionally, we are already in talks with a number of the concessions within the House of Fraser store and hope that many of the current brands will remain and their staff will be redeployed."
Hinting that more announcements would be made in coming months, he added: "We’ve been delighted to unveil some fantastic new entrants in recent weeks and more exciting announcements, will follow soon.”
Last week, HMV in the Platinum mall closed ahead of a relocation to a new site in Exhibition Square.
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