Norwich folk have expressed their disappointment after Morrisons pulled out of plans to move into an eyesore site in the city centre.
The supermarket giant had been hoping to open a flagship store complete with deli counters in the former Topshop store, but now after months of speculation it has revealed it "doesn't have an agreement to take the unit".
The retailer was previously expected to sign a 15-year lease in February ahead of a likely June opening date, but as rumours of Morrisons' departure grew, it refused to comment on the building's future to this newspaper, until now.
Swanky new flats were also planned for the upper level of the development in Haymarket.
Morrisons' inaction has even prompted the wrath of vandals who have been tagging the store with graffiti telling the chain to "move out or move over".
Leader of the opposition Labour group at Norfolk County Council, Steve Morphew, said he was disappointed the supermarket would not be opening as he felt it would have been a good fit for the area.
The former Norwich City Council leader said: "My view is one of disappointment, they've been hanging around so long and now we are going to have another period of uncertainty.
"It's an eyesore with all the graffiti on it, we really need to get something in there.
"We now need something which helps the economy of the city and brings life in. It's prime retail space so we need a shop in there.
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"Morrisons plans were sensible and it's a real shame they've pulled out as with all the people moving in, we need a central supermarket.
"A food shop will stop those living in central accommodation driving to the outskirts for their weekly shop, we need something in there and the sooner the better."
Neighbours of the empty unit said the eyesore had not impacted business but said they were "fed up" with seeing it while working.
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One shop worker at Pavers shoe shop in the street, who did not wish to be named, said: "We've been really busy so I don't think it has hit us.
"But the graffiti is horrible, they need to do something with it.
"It would be good if they made it a mini-mall for independents a bit like Yalm is for food, that would go down a treat and bring plenty of people in."
The departure comes as the neighbouring Debenhams department store also sits empty ahead of demolition work which will see it replaced by retail units and student flats.
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