WORK is set to begin on £1m new jewellery shop in Winchester High Street.

Jeremy France is moving his business down the street from Walcote Place into the former Blacks outdoor clothes unit.

It will be the only independent shop in the Lower High Street and comes after years of Mr France searching for a more prominent site.

He said: “I'm obviously very excited at the continuing progression of the business. The new premises will offer the largest fine jewellery and luxury lifestyle experience, not just in Winchester but also Hampshire, which will no doubt become a destination for those seeking beautiful pieces."

The three-storey, Grade Two Listed building will be refurbished over the coming weeks and should be open by December.

Mr France has partnered with Sirius Concepts Media, run by Hampshire-based businessman John Dyer and property expert Louisa Fletcher, to bring the shop up to scratch.

He added: “With John's design and production background, and Louisa's extensive luxury marketing and property experience, we have a 'dream team' of Hampshire based talent delivering what will be one of Winchester's most ambitious retail projects of recent years.”