A NEW store is opening in Ayr’s former BHS shop, bringing a potential 200 jobs to the town.

After months of planning, 1517 is now in the works with owner Mercier Mainwaring ready to launch his flagship store on the High Street.

The Ayr Advertiser told of Mercier’s ambitious plans for the vacant BHS outlet, as the retail expert plans to create a hub that goes beyond being a shopping destination.

Now, its set to open its doors on Saturday, August 24, with the fashion show pencilled in to celebrate the launch on August 22.

Mercier told the Ayr Advertiser how the store will breathe new life into the High Street.

He said: “This is going to be our flagship. Its part of a strategy to renovate the High Street.”

On the location he added: “It was right for what we wanted to do, it’s adjacent to M&S and the store was in a good condition.”

The store has the potential to create 200 jobs, with vacancies being advertised just now and more to come.

It promises to be ‘ a new concept for Ayr’ with services offered such as a hairdressers and coffee shop, with a key focus in involving local businesses.

Mercier said: “It’s where people can come to meet and have leisure pleasure. It’s going to be somewhere people can go and spend two to three hours and relax all under one roof.

“There is nothing like it on the High Street.

“We are going to have local people working here, 25% of the brands will be from local businesses as well as stocking national and global brands.