Keswick's high street has a brand new business.

A brand new Joules store on Keswick’s Main Street is set to open for Easter after Cumbrian refurbishment and shop-fitting specialist EXT completed a total refit of the former unoccupied bank building.

The work met an ambitious schedule that has allowed the retailer to open in time for the Easter long weekend.

The franchisee for the new Joules store is Cumbria-based family business Edge of the World, which has traded for more than 25 years and runs nine stores including the Joules store in Bowness-in-Windermere and Edge of the World stores in Ambleside and Kirkby Lonsdale.

Edge of the World Owner Adrian North said: “We’re thrilled to be open in time for the Easter long weekend and bring a new lease of life to an older building with a new attractive shop front and interior. This is the fourth project we’ve completed with EXT - their speed, efficiency and flexibility from start to finish are real assets for us. They’re a safe pair of hands for our projects and make some really ambitious ideas possible. “

“Working in the Lakes with a great national brand like Joules is a real opportunity to invest in our local area and bring something fresh and exciting to Keswick.”

David Burn, mayor of Keswick said: “The closure of the NatWest Bank was in itself disappointing, and left us with an empty unit in Market Square. I have been watching with interest its conversion to the new Joules store. The new store looks modern and fresh. I think it will make a great addition to the town centre and I am sure it will be a big success.”

Keith Fazey, owner of EXT, said: “Our client was very keen to be open for Easter holidays and the long weekend. It was a real challenge to complete and stock the store in time, but it really is great to have an attractive, open shop in Keswick for the Easter weekend rather than scaffolding! It’s been a pleasure working with Edge of the World on this refurbishment and we look forward to more exciting projects in the future.”