Two leading Kidderminster shops are to relocate to a flagship town centre building in a move that will create new jobs.

Pavers shoe shop and Leading Labels, both based in Weavers Wharf Retail Park, are to relocate to the former Marks & Spencer premises in the town’s High Street.

The businesses have been forced to make way for a Debenhams store and a hotel in their current premises at Slingfield Mill.

Bosses say they have been searching for a new base in the town for several months and believe the former M&S building in the town’s High Street is the “ideal location”.

The building has lain idle for several months after a Bhs clearance store moved into town for a temporary stay. General manager of Pavers said Steve Collyer said: “The relocation marks our commitment to the people of Kidderminster and also to our loyal staff.”

The shops will remain open in their current location until August 16 and will reopen in the new premises ready, likely to be the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Mr Collyer added: “We are thrilled with our new location which locals will recognise as the previous Marks and Spencer store.

“The new Pavers will be larger than our current store enabling us to offer a much wider range of styles.”

Mr David Gummery, managing director for Leading Labels, also based in York, said staff would be relocated to the new premises.

The national fashion chain claims its “huge buying power ensure best value prices which are passed onto customers”.

Work will start on Kidderminster new flagship Debenhams store in August and should take just over a year to complete.