Harrods will open in former House of Fraser in the Metrocentre

Signs for the Harrods H Beauty have gone up outside the former House of Fraser department store in the "Town Square" of the shopping centre.

The highly-anticipated venue, which is the luxury retailer's first in the North East and North Yorkshire, is set to make its sparkling debut later this year.

Read more: Harrods to open H Beauty and champagne bar in Gateshead's Metrocentre

Featuring its own champagne bar, it is hoped the new venue will attract thousands of shoppers every day as it offers something new.

The new Harrods H Beauty will take shape in the old House of Fraser Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

The new signage, which is believed to have only gone up in the past week, confirms the venue's opening is imminent with the promise that is is "opening soon."

For months, hoardings without any logos covered the former House of Fraser as bosses remained tight-lipped on where it would open.

Plans for Harrods H Beauty were first announced back in July last year as Metrocentre bosses revealed a wave of changes coming for 2022 and 2023.

Read more: 22 pictures over the years as Gateshead Metrocentre celebrates 35th birthday

Graeme Jones of Sovereign Centros, the asset and development managers at the Metrocentre, described the move as exciting for the centre's future.

Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

As part of the introduction of Harrods, Metrocentre said JD Sports and H&M would move into bigger "flagship" units.

Meanwhile, it said a 20-year lease had been agreed with Harrods, which is expected to stock luxury brands including Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana and Hourglass.

Mr Jones previously said: "These lettings really reinforce how retail in these powerful major regional centres is changing, replacing the hitherto reliance on the old department store formats as anchors with new and exciting concepts and brands which will be much more interactive for the shopper.

"These quality fashion brands are a major draw for our customers. There is a lot more to come over the coming months with some other exciting lettings lined up."

No further details on Harrods H Beauty have yet been revealed.

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