EIGHTEEN brands could open new shops at Golden Square during the next year as the centre announced it is in talks with retailers and restaurants.

At the end of 2016, jewellers Pandora, shoe shop Foot Locker and stationery brand Smiggle signed up for units in the shopping centre.

And Gavin Ingram, director with LaSalle Investment Management which works with the centre, said several new brands are hoping to open their doors to customers.

He said: “There are a further 18 deals which are currently in the hands of solicitors, with everything from new leases and renewals to retailers moving to bigger premises.

“Looking to the future, we are in discussions with a number of global retailer brands and are also further developing the food and drink offering of the scheme.

“Following the successful opening of Prezzo we are moving forward with a plan to expand the catering and leisure offering in the centre’s Old Market Square, and are close to agreement with a number of brands with a view to expanding the catering offering in what is an attractive, open air environment.”