THIS is how part of Bridge Street - currently a mere shell of its former self - will evolve over the next few months.

Property chiefs have revealed to the Guardian that JJB will be the first tenant of the Rylands Street corner redevelopment.

It is understood that the sports retailer will be launching a new supermarket on the second floor of the redesigned block, which will be reached by twin escalators, replacing its current Bridge Street operation.

Marketing has now begun in earnest for two soon-to-be constructed ground floor stores, says Nigel Dick, property director of Leicester-based developers Cathco.

"There are two large units, of around 6,000 square feet each, at ground floor level, with a large first floor of around 30,000 square feet," said Mr Dick.

"JJB will be moving in on the first floor, relocating from its shop next door."

An estimated £4million is being spent on the building project, which replaces a number of shops and offices on site.

Only two historic facades, halfway along the parade, will give a clue to how that stretch of Bridge Street used to look.

Before demolition contractors Bradley started work there last month, the plans had been in the pipeline for more than a year.

One by one the row's mainstays, including Bright House, Army and Navy Stores, Martin Dawes and Sayers, vacated their premises.

Last year there was speculation that a Lloyds No. 1 bar could be opening there. But bosses at pub giant Wetherspoon's, which owns the chain, have confirmed they are no longer interested in the property.

l Rylands House, part of the bulldozed location, used to be home to an electrical shop and an employment agency and training companies in offices above.