MAYLORD Shopping Centre is the mainstay for Hereford city centre and is one of the main sponsors for these new awards.

The centre wanted to add its name and support to the Hereford BID business awards to recognise the great and good in the city.

Simon Whiting, the new centre manager, said: "Maylord has a great relationship with the Hereford BID and we wanted to be involved in celebrating and recognising al the fantastic work BID members are responsible for."

The Maylord shopping area extends out of the atrium building and down Maylord Street to Specsavers and to the gift shop, 50. The shopping centre also includes Gomond Street, Brewers Passage and the shops on Commercial Street from Steamer Trading Cookshop to Laura Ashley.

Mr Whiting said: "The big news is the imminent opening of a 24-hour gym. The fit-out has started on that."

The membership office has already opened on Maylord Street. The 24-hour gym will be in the atrium on the first floor.

He said: "There is a really nice buzz around the centre with regards to the new gym.

"Hopefully the knock-on effect is we can get some of those empty units filled with tenants."

The first-floor 400 sq m unit was previously the home of Next and the shopping centre's cafe.

There are currently 13 empty units in the centre. Mr Whiting has just started in his role as centre manager and will focus on filling the empty shops.

He said it is great to have the support and advice of Hereford BID when needed. He said: "It is like having back-up."