TWO high-street brands have joined the growing list of big hitters to open shops in Bury this summer.

Leisurewear stockists JD Sports and clothing retailer BANK have announced they will be part of the £350 million Rock development in the town centre.

The shopping and entertainment complex is all set for a July 16 opening.

Other names such as Primark, Marks and Spencer and Debenhams have already been confirmed.

The centre will also have a Vue cinema, an AMF ten-pin bowling alley and at least five restaurants.

Yesterday’s announcement was particularly poignant for JD Sports and its creators John Wardle and David Makin.

The duo opened their first ever branch of the shop, then known as John David Sports, at the Mill Gate shopping centre in December 1981.

The firm now sells clothing and footwear from 525 branches in the UK, Ireland and France. Its only other Bury branch, at the Woodfields Retail Park in Bury, will remain open.

JD Sports Fashion Group PLC chief executive Barry Bownsaid: “JD has been trading in Bury for 28 years and it is considered as the founding home of JD.

“I have been with JD for 27 years and have seen Bury evolve through various retail developments at very close hand.

“This latest development is very exciting. We are very proud to be part of it.”

BANK is a JD Sports brand and both businesses have their headquarters at Hollins Brook Way in Pilsworth.

BANK currently has a shop at the Mill Gate centre, which will stay open.

Richard Poyser, assistant director of retail leasing for Hammerson, which is managing The Rock project, said: “JD Sports and BANK are trading exceptionally well and both brands are a great addition to the centre’s high-street fashion mix.”