Long-established family business the Jarrold Group has invested �150,000 in refurbishing the former Clement Joscelyne shop and has opened a new contemporary furniture shop in Norwich.

The Granary, in Bedford Street, was rented to Clement Joscelyne which closed after the business went into administration in July.

But the Jarrold Group has seized the opportunity to launch its own venture and make The Lanes an even more vibrant place to shop.

John Adams, Jarrold trading director, said: 'When they [Clement Joscelyne] went into administration we took the view that rather than have it empty, or have someone else in here, we would trade from it ourselves. It enables us to offer a different furniture range than we are doing in the department store.'

He said: 'We believe this is a successful location and there is nobody else doing this in Norwich or Norfolk, so we believe it is filling a gap in the market.'

Jarrold opened specialist sports shop Pilch Sports in London Street in 2005. Mr Adams said: 'There is a nice cluster of shops opening in this area so that it is creating a destination for this sort of customer. Being part of The Lanes is good.'

In recent years, popular brands including Crew, White Stuff and Jack Wills have moved into The Lanes around Jarrold's main shop. Homeware designer Cath Kidston is set to open a shop in Castle Street on October 18.

Mr Adams said that The Granary, which employs two former Clement Joscelyne staff and has also created another two jobs, was offering more contemporary furniture.

He said: 'We want people to know it is part of Jarrold and everything it means, which hopefully is stability, trust and customer service, but we want it to feel slightly different.'

He said the furniture would appeal to both a customer with a modern flat in the city and those who wanted contemporary furniture in a barn conversion.

The shop will also offer an interior design service and people will be able to order bespoke furniture.