A MUSIC store will move into one of Colchester’s shopping centres.

HMV is set to open in Culver Square, in the site currently occupied by clothes store USC.

Staff at USC have been told the store will close by June 23.

It is understood employees may be offered jobs at other stores run by national firm Sports Direct, which owns USC.

The move by HMV will mark the return of a music store to the premises, which prior to being home to USC, was occupied by the Zavvi music store and before that, a Virgin Megastore.

HMV, which has another town centre store in Lion Walk shopping centre, has submitted plans for advertisement consent at the Culver Square premises.

William Blake, Culver Square spokesman, said: “We are pleased to confirm that HMV, a leading specialist retailer of music, film, games and technology products, will be opening a store of more than 9,000 sq ft at Culver Square Shopping Centre this summer.

“The brand will open in units 27-30, which is the shop that USC will be vacating shortly.

“HMV will be a welcome addition to the centre’s line up, providing a great fit with our shopper catchment.

“We continue to speak to a range of retailers about their interest in opening or growing their stores in Culver Square and hope to be able to announce more exciting news in the next few weeks.”

HMV has not confirmed whether the move will spell the closure of its other store and whether existing staff will be transferred to the new premises.