The centre, which has been revitalised this year by the launch of a Community Hub, has already seen fashion outlet Store Twenty One and women’s fitness centre Fit For Women open their doors.

It is expected that 11 new jobs will be created at Sports Direct and these are in addition to the four at Fit For Women and seven at Store Twenty One.

Laura Hudson, Sports Direct spokeswoman, said: “We are delighted to be opening our new store in Dumbarton.

“As our company continues to grow throughout the UK, our ethos has never changed in that we offer our customers the biggest brands in all types of sportswear, footwear and sports equipment.” Sports Direct was founded in 1982 by Mike Ashley and is now the UK’s largest sporting retailer with more than 400 stores nationwide.

Millionaire businessman Ashley owns Newcastle United and has recently taken a large stake in Glasgow giants Rangers.

Louise Evans, representing landlords LaSalle Investment Management added: “We are delighted to welcome Sports Direct to the centre along with StoreTwenty One and Fit For Women.

“Sports Direct are real high street giants and along with a new fashion store and an independent gym it adds to the shopping endeavour to provide here at Artizan.

“We believe the opening of the Community Hub at Artizan and the way the people of Dumbarton have embraced it has helped enliven the town centre and this has played a part in encouraging new openings.” Kevin MacCallum, from Dumbarton, supervisor at Store Twenty One, said: “It has gone very well since we opened and there seems to be a lot more people coming into the centre.

“It’s definitely been a good move for us and the town is getting busier while we also plan to take on a number of work experience staff soon.” Kay Young, who has opened Fit For Women, has a team of three fitness instructors. She said: “We’re looking to appeal to women of all ages and fitness levels.

“In Scotland our biggest killer is heart disease and if we can get women to be more active and more used to exercise it makes a fantastic difference to their health.

“The Artizan is in an ideal position for us, it’s easy to access and we’re getting plenty of bookings.” For more on what’s happening centre go to www.artizancentre.co.uk and follow on Facebook and on Twitter via @artizanshopping.