Exeter is undergoing a huge shake-up of shops and restaurants in its city centre.
The landscape of the High Street is set to change, with the impact of two large plans already being felt.
The victims of the latest round of closures are also leaving their mark, but many of those forced to pull out of the city have already found a replacement.
Much of the movement is linked to the impending closure of Harlequins Shopping Centre, with many small businesses fleeing the aging centre before the arrival of the bulldozers.
It could be knocked down and turned into a hotel and student flats if planners give the scheme the thumbs up.
Below, we reveal the biggest changes Exeter will face in its city centre in the coming months
GBK closes and Franco Manca opens
The closure of GBK, or Gourmet Burger Kitchen, at Guildhall Dining Quarter came as a shock to city diners.
But already a Neopolitan pizza chain, Franco Manca, is
The restaurant, which use only sourdough bases, started out as a market stall in Brixton in 2008 and has now grown into a pizza chain with restaurants all over the UK.
It currently has one in Bristol, which is currently Devon's nearest branch.
Specialising in sourdough pizza, its menu only has seven pizzas to choose from including a specials menu which changes daily.
La Bella Bridal shuts and Jonathan Hawkes moves in
Despite recently taking on La Bella Bridal on South Street, the new owners have already closed and packed up.
But it won't be long before the unit is replaced.
Jonathan Hawkes is one of the many businesses relocating before the impending closure of Harlequins shopping centre.
Work has already started and the mens clothing shop, which sells designer brands, is set to reopen in their new home in early July.
Evans and Burton Menswear shut and JD Sports will eventually move in
JD Sports has confirmed it will take on the units formerly occupied by Burton Menswear and Evans on the High Street.
It means the current branch of JD Sports in Princesshay, which replaced USC at the shopping centre in 2009, will close.
A spokesperson for JD Sports said: "We are moving to a larger premises which will let us present a fuller range of our products in the store.
"We have not got a confirmed date for the move and reopening, however we anticipate it will be the first half of 2020."
While Evans has now shut for good, Burton Menswear will shut its doors for the final time on Saturday, June 15.
A clearance sale has been under way for several weeks.
However, to the dismay of bargain hunters, most of the stock will be transferred to nearby branches. You can still buy online at Burton here.
Massive plans are in that would see the closure of House of Fraser
Headline news has been the plans handed in for Exeter's key stone department store: House of Fraser.
Exeter-based financial company Prydis has bought the building and say their vision is to keep luxury shops on the High Street.
A three storey hotel with new internal light-wells will be constructed above high-end shops, and a stunning glass bar with terraces overlooking the city is planned for the rooftop.
The exclusive bar will be accessed only by lift from St Catherine's Square. It will have the only complete, unobstructed view over a cathedral in the UK.
The four storey, 55,000sq ft House of Fraser department store was built after much of central Exeter was flattened in the Blitz.
Streamers is moving from Harlequins into Monique
Streamers is certainly prepped to celebrate their move out of a shopping centre earmarked for demolition.
The party supplies shop has revealed that it is moving to the junction of Sidwell Street and Paris Street, opposite John Lewis, ahead of the closure of its current home: Harlequins Shopping Centre.
Streamers has been popular with shoppers for many years.
Originally occupying the basement floor of Harlequins, and later moving upstairs, it sells sweets, gift wrapping, greetings cards, balloons and disposable tableware.
They are also known for their large range of piñatas.
Their new unit was formerly Monique Womenswear, which shut for good last year.
Sold and for sale: Devon businesses
A new chippy is opening
Hook Fish & Chips is replacing The Canopy restaurant on South Street in the city centre.
The takeaway is hoping to open on Monday, June 24 and is currently looking for part time and full time fryers and counter staff.
The business plans to serve classic chip shop meals, alongside vegetarian options.
What is happening with Harlequins?
The planned ‘affordable’ hotel will have 140 rooms and will also have a bar and restaurant.
The ‘professionally managed’ student accommodation will have 315 units in one block and 23 studios in the second block.
It is also claimed it will create highway improvements along Paul Street, improve access to the historic City Wall, and enhance public realm and landscaping.
It will encompass what is described as a new pocket park and piazza.
Most Read
Curlew, says there is a need for 21,000 student beds in the city.
It is forecast numbers will continue to rise up and by 2030 there will be 22,000 students looking for accommodation.
Jim Sutherland, head of development at Curlew, said: “We believe our proposals offer a once in a generation opportunity to bring forward a high-quality redevelopment that regenerates the current Harlequins Centre site.
"We are committed to working with Exeter City Council, and the community, to regenerate the site and are looking forward to discussing our plans over the coming weeks.”
