A prestigious new store looks set to open at the western end of Brentwood High Street after Laura Ashley announced it was preparing to take on the entire ground floor within the Stoneyard development at the junction of Weald Road and the High Street.

A spokesman for the international company - which specialises in fashion, fabrics and home furnishings - said contracts had not yet been exchanged, but it was hoped to complete the deal by the end of the week.

If the deal goes ahead then Laura Ashley bosses hope to have the store up and running for the Christmas period.

Ron Hopkins, from London based R. H. Properties which has overseen the Stoneyard development, said: "We are delighted. We have worked very hard to convince them that Brentwood is a town where they should be.

"This will be a big plus for Brentwood and helps put it on the map. To get more and more high calibre tenants into Brentwood can only be good for the town and will encourage local people to stay in their High Street to shop."

Laura Ashley is one of the UK's most famous and prestigious brands. Following a difficult period in the late 1980s and early 1990s the company has returned to being a force in the High Street with an extensive investment programme across the UK and Europe.

The Stoneyard development features retail units on the ground floor with a total of 21 luxury one to two bedroom apartments on the floors above.

Published Monday September 27, 2004

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