A TOWN centre shopping centre has risen from the recession with just three units now empty after the opening of a new fashion store.

Hollies, an independent retailer aimed at mature women, has opened opposite the WH Smith in the St George's Centre in Gravesend.

This follows the recent opening of four new shops at the centre, including a jewellers and household goods retailer, meaning just three of the 45 units at St George's are now empty.

Centre manager Nicky Blanchard said: “This is great news not just for St George’s but for Gravesend as a whole.

“New shops encourage more people to come to the town centre and use all the facilities that are on offer here and spend their money locally.”