A MAJOR high street fashion retailer could be about to open a new store in Southampton.

British clothing giant River Island has lodged plans with civic chiefs to replace HMV on Above Bar Street.

It comes after the Echo revealed last month that the music store was planning to relocate for the first time in 24 years.

But the plans, submitted to Southampton City Council, have cast doubt on the future of River Island’s Westquay outlet.

The brand’s current store is on level three of the shopping centre, accessed by Above Bar Street, and just metres away from its proposed new shop.

River Island did not respond to the Echo’s request for a comment, despite a number of attempts.

Westquay were also unavailable for comment.

River Island moved to its current store in Westquay in 2008, leaving behind its previous High Street store.

Its Westquay outlet currently sells women’s, men’s and kids clothing and accessories.

According to the plans, River Island bosses want to re-clad the unit on Above Bar Street.

The fashion retailer would also install new glazing and signage.

HMV confirmed in March that it would leave its Above Bar Street store this year.

A spokesman the company was “actively looking” at relocating to a new store in Southampton.

Last night, a HMV spokesman said the company was continuing its hunt for new premises. The spokesman was unable to say when the current store would close.

HMV opened its Above Bar Street store in 1994, with Boomtown Rats frontman Sir Bob Geldof cutting the ribbon.

Since then the store has played host to a variety of acts including Feeder, Gary Numan, Status Quo, Peter Andre and Busted.

Prior to Above Bar Street, HMV was based at Hanover Building – moving from its first store in the Bargate. To mark the opening, Boy George of Culture Club and Steve Strange from Visage signed autographs.