HEXHAM’S flagship department store has reopened with a new name and new brands.

The former Beales store on Fore Street and Battle Hill reopened last Thursday under the name, Hexham Outlet Centre.

The store was set to close for good in September. However, bosses announced it would close for a short time for a refit, before reopening on a smaller scale.

Tony Brown, chief executive of Beales, said that the store would stay open under its present format until at least February.

He said: “What happens will depend on the plans to redevelop the site.

“We have said we would like to keep a presence here in whatever form it will take.”