House of Fraser's landmark store in Birmingham city centre has been saved, according to staff.

BirminghamLive understands from staff working at the department store in Corporation Street that it will remain open, ending weeks of speculation over its future.

House of Fraser is yet to confirm the news officially and had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

Around 600 staff work at the shop.

The troubled department store chain was bought out by Sports Direct in August for £90 million, just weeks after the company announced 31 of its 59 stores would have to close.

Birmingham store House of Fraser
Birmingham store House of Fraser

Sports Direct's owner Mike Ashley then promised to inject fresh life into the estate, intimating that around 80 per cent of its stores would be saved.

Several stores across the UK have already been given the news that they will remain open including in Telford, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Beatties in Wolverhampton.

Among the possible changes which could result is that sections of House of Fraser stores could be turned into space for Sports Direct, a brand known for its budget sports wear and goods and in marked contrast to the high-end fashion lines stocked by House of Fraser.

Mr Ashley has previously accused the stores' landlords of being greedy as he tried to strike deals to keep the shops open.