TOP department store Austins has carried out a ‘bank raid’ to expand its main store operation in Newton Abbot.
The family business is investing £300,000 to kit out a new fashion arm in next-door premises once occupied by the Santander banking group.
Contractors are busy transforming the prominent corner site which joins East Street to Courtenay Street in the shadow of historic St Leonards Tower.
Austins have been trying to secure the prime location premises for 35 years.
The new addition, boosting the company workforce by three, is expected to open on November 25.
Offices above the premises will be let.