Wakefield Trinity Walk boss says city is 'resilient' enough to survive loss of Debenhams and Topshop as the shopping centre moves to fill the gaps they left behind

And a new restaurant has been confirmed for the former Pizza Express lot as part of the centre's recovery plan.

Centre manager Cormac Hamilton believes Wakefield is strong enough to kick back against the closures

Cormac Hamilton, Trinity Walk's centre manager, said: "The closure of Arcadia stores such as Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins, Burtons and others across the UK is a further chapter in the evolution of the high street.

"Above all we really feel for all the teams affected, all of whom we have worked really closely with for so many years. These are unprecedented times for the economy and the high street, but Trinity Walk will continue to move forward.

"These national closures were not unexpected and we have for some time been working hard to re-let these units and we are seeing strong interest.

"We have recently just let one prime vacant unit for a new and exciting brand for Wakefield and in addition we have another which is close to completion.

"It is clear that the high street is going through an accelerated evolution which will continue to play out over the following years.

"Wakefield is a strong and resilient city and these changes do also create opportunity for new, diverse and exciting businesses to develop and thrive."