TJ Hughes has finally confirmed it will be returning to Middlesbrough after three years. 

Last month, The Northern Echo revealed that the department store chain was set to open a new store in the Cleveland Centre. 

The news came three years after the shutters were pulled down on the firm's store at Captain Cook Square, ahead of the complex's redevelopment. 

Last week, TJ Hughes said it was “exploring the option of a return” to Middlesbrough, with bosses saying they had a  “great affiliation with Middlesbrough and its community”. 

Now, a spokesperson has confirmed it will be moving into LSU4 of the Cleveland Centre, the former H&M and Leading Labels unit. 

The former TJ Hughes in MiddlesbroughThe former TJ Hughes in Middlesbrough (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

An opening date for the store, which will create 25 jobs, is not yet known - although applications are now open for a string of sales assistant roles and a duty manager. 

The Northern Echo understands that the opening date for the new store will be between now and the end of the year. 

There are also talks ongoing for more potential new leases at the shopping centre.

A statement said it is a "really exciting time" to be back in the town after several years, where the firm has a "great history". 

The Cleveland CentreThe Cleveland Centre (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

As previously reported, TJ Hughes said it was "extremely saddened" when it closed in Middlesbrough in 2021, before its unit was transformed into go-karting and entertainment venue Level X, which opened last year. 

Since then, Captain Cook Square has been revamped into a leisure destination with the likes of American chain Wendy's, Fun Shack soft play centre and Inflatespace inflatable theme park, and stylish new restaurant Bazaar all opening in recent months.

A spokesperson for the chain said: "I can confirm that we will be moving into LSU4 of the Cleveland Centre and that CVs can now be sent to middlesbrough.management@tjhughes.co.uk

"We do not currently have a confirmed opening date but are working to as quick a turnaround as possible. This represents an important move for us.

"It’s a very well-located site that’s convenient for the majority of shoppers and therefore should be good for the town and good for the brand.

"Importantly, it brings TJs back to Middlesbrough where we have a great history. All in all, there will be 25 staff working at the new Middlesbrough store and recruitment is now underway.

"It’s a really exciting time to be back and this move will be the latest addition to the estates era of growth."

Mayor Chris Cooke added: "Our aim has always been to see our town centre busy and thriving, and shopping is a part of that mix.

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“The fact that TJ Hughes has decided that now is the time to return to Middlesbrough is an endorsement of our ongoing work to transform our town centre into a hub of activity, meeting the needs of everyone in the town – whether that be housing, work, education or health.

“New leisure destinations at Captain Cook Square and Exchange Square also support our brilliant existing food, drink and hospitality industry and encourage visitors from across Middlesbrough and further afield into the town centre.

“But retail is equally important. I know this move will be popular with shoppers and we’ll continue to do everything we can to support shops coming to Middlesbrough.”