THE former British Heart Foundation charity shop in Shipley Town Centre will become a "Shipley Superstore."

The charity has announced that its Market Square store will not be opening once lockdown lifts.

However - the unit will soon be home to a new business.

A licensing application has been submitted to Bradford Council by Shipley Superstore Ltd to sell alcohol from a new store with the same name between the hours of 7am and 11pm.

The BHF store was in a town centre block dominated by charity shops in recent years.

On the decision to close the store, Jane Flannery, Senior Regional Director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “After almost 30 years of business in the area, sadly the Shipley BHF shop is now permanently closed.

“We did not take this decision lightly, however in recent times the shop has seen a significant reduction in customer spend and footfall.

"At the BHF we do not take a short-term view on the profitability of a shop or store, and this decision was made prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Plans for new Lidl and Costa, part of new Shipley retail park, are approved

“We would like to thank our wonderful staff, volunteers, customers and donors for all their amazing support over the years and would urge the local community to still bear us in mind if they are having a clear-out in the coming weeks.

"Whilst our shops remain closed in line with Government guidelines, supporters can donate their pre-loved items via our new freepost service.

“Each item bought or donated goes towards helping us raise vital funds for life-saving heart research.”