Spencer store in Hamilton into several retail outlets, turning the area into an extension of the Washington Mall shopping arcade.

Pittstown Developments Ltd., which owns the Reid Street building, is currently consulting with architects to find out whether the project is feasible.

A spokesperson for Pittstown Developments said there was already considerable interest among local retailers who wanted to open up outlets on the 10,000 square feet premises.

"Nothing has definitely been decided yet,'' said the spokesperson. "We are still at the planning stage and a lot of things have to be finalised before we make a definite decision.

"We're hoping to connect the site with the Washington Mall and put in several different stores. We've had very good interest from retailers. We have got some very good people who're interested in the space.'' The premises is located in one of Hamilton's prime shopping areas and became empty last month when Marks and Spencer, which is run by Archie Brown & Son, moved across the road to the much smaller Medical Hall.

Mr. Warren Brown Jnr. said that its former site was too big for Marks and Spencer.

Pittstown Developments, a local company which is partly owned by British interests, is expected to make a decision on the building's future by the end of the month.