Primark is to open a massive new store at Rushmere Shopping Centre in Craigavon later this year, it has been confirmed.
Shopping centre owners Central Craigavon Limited have now revealed future plans.
And they did so after Armagh I revealed on Tuesday that a planning application had been submitted to ABC Council for alterations to the former Debenhams store to pave the way for the arrival of the new tenant.
While no indication has been given at this stage in terms of the number of jobs to be created, it is expected to represent a significant employment boost, with vacancies to be advertised in the coming months.
Rushmere has been without an anchor tenant since Debenhams ceased operations back in May last year.
But now Central Craigavon Limited have put an end to all the speculation and said it was “delighted to announce that terms have been agreed with Primark for a new anchor store”.
Occupying a sales area of 30,800 sq ft, work will commence on the new Primark store this summer and will open to customers later this year.
Martin Walsh, Rushmere Centre Manager, commented:“Primark is a fantastic addition to Rushmere. In all of our research over the years, Primark is a brand that our customers have been very keen to see, and this announcement is testimony to the success of the centre.
“We look forward to the opening later in the year.”
A spokesperson from Primark said; “We are delighted to announce that we will open a new store at the Rushmere Shopping Centre in Craigavon.
“Doors will open later this year and we are excited to be creating a new shopping experience for our customers in the area.”
Rushmere is a strong regional centre between Lurgan and Portadown and comprises 500,000 sq ft of retail and restaurants.
Anchored by Dunnes, Next, Boots, JD Sports, and soon to be Primark, the centre provides a covered shopping centre of 350,000 sq ft and a retail park of 150,000 sq ft.
The latter is anchored by Homebase, Curry’s and Matalan. Rushmere attracts around 75,000 customers every week and the centre offers over 1,800 free car park spaces.
Savills acted for Central Craigavon Limited and Primark dealt direct.
